‘How could I refuse Freddy Fittler?’ Premier celebrates with victorious Blues coach
The New South Wales Blues are back in the winner’s circle, claiming victory over Queensland in the State of Origin last night.
One person who’s feeling particularly chuffed is the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian who was spotted celebrating with coach Brad Fittler over an ice cold beer.
Congrats! So proud of the Blues. @NSWRL #UpTheBlues #Origin pic.twitter.com/XlmANodnmE
— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) June 24, 2018
When asked how the happy snap came about, the Premier tells Ben Fordham she couldn’t refuse a beer from the victorious coach.
“How could I refuse Freddy Fittler? He passed one to me and I did have a few sips in celebration.”
Sounding slightly croaky, Ms Berejiklian says Blues fans across the state will be hoarse today after screaming for the winning side.
“It was great to see tens of thousands of people egging on the Blues and they sure didn’t let (us) down.”
Click PLAY below to hear from the Premier Gladys Berejiklian
Blues advisor Greg Alexander is also enjoying the celebrations but can’t help thinking about how last night played out in front of 82,000 spectators.
“I’m still thinking about the game… shocked that we won.
“Down to 12 men in that final 10 minutes with Jimmy Roberts off the field, that was an extraordinary effort from our boys.”
The bond between Greg and coach Freddy Fittler goes back a long way, with the pair playing together at the Penrith Panthers nearly 20 years ago.
The Blues advisor reveals what happened when they met up in the sheds after victory was declared and how Freddy secured the coaching gig.
Click PLAY below to hear from Greg Alexander
Rugby league legend and inaugural State of Origin captain Tommy Raudonikis has also weighed in on the victory, telling Ben he’s on “top of the world”.
Raudonikis is paying particular attention to 20-year-old debutant Nathan Cleary, who made a sensational try-saving tackle late in the second half.
“Nathan Cleary, what about the tackle he made when he’d come across in cover?
“That could have saved us the game.”
Click PLAY below to hear from league legend Tommy Raudonikis
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