“It’s not a popularity contest”

That’s the message NSW Coach Brad Fittler has for those who’ve criticised his coaching style.
Game 2 of State of Origin will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth tomorrow night. It’s a do or die game for NSW, after losing the first game to the Maroons 18-14.
Following the announcement of the Blues line up, Brad Fittler received a lot of scrutiny about some of his decision, particularly the decision to drop Latrell Mitchell, as well as keep Nathan Cleary as the team’s halfback.
But the coach is standing firm, saying the decisions he made were necessary.
“The team, as we stand at the moment, is a team that I’m really confident, isn’t going to take a backwards step, and is the best team for this game.”