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Brad Fittler has walked away after six years in charge of the Blues.Credit:Getty Images

NSWRL sources who were not authorised to speak publicly said their preference remains for a replacement to come from outside the full-time NRL coaching ranks,making it harder for Canberra’s Ricky Stuart or Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy to become contenders,if they wanted the job.

NSW’s former coach Laurie Daley,who broke Queensland’s eight-year dynasty in 2014,was being lined up to be on Fittler’s support staff before Fittler stood down. Daley retains support from the country rugby league directors on the NSWRL. NRL assistants Michael Maguire (Raiders) and McGregor (Cowboys) could also be considered.

Fittler will finish as NSW’s second most successful coach behind Gould,having won three of six series since 2018.

But sobering losses to the Maroons in 2022 and 2023,in particular this year when he selected and dropped Tevita Pangai jnr and Nicho Hynes after game one and then pitched hooker Damien Cook into the centres to replace the injured Tom Trbojevic during game two,prompted the NSWRL board to consider only a 12-month extension.

Dejected Blues players after losing this year’s series at Suncorp Stadium.Credit:Getty

Only hours before Fittler’s shock decision,the Queensland Rugby League announced Slater had signed a three-year extension,a significant show of faith in the man who has turned the Maroons’ fortunes around despite no previous head coaching experience.

Fittler contributed just one line to a NSWRL media release on Thursday:“I loved doing the job and I will always love NSW”.

But his decision will now send the Blues’ coaching search back to square one.

“The board understands and respects his decision,” NSWRL chairman Paul Conlon said. “‘Freddy’[Fittler] was a legend as a player and returned to coach the team at a time when his state needed him.

“He enjoyed immediate success and his series win in 2021,which included record scorelines in Townsville and Brisbane,will go down in NSW Blues history.

“He also contributed through other programs including his Hogs motorcycle rides in regional NSW which played a big part in uniting the state. He holds a special place in NSW Rugby League history.”

The Blues will now take coaching expressions of interest and hope to decide on the new boss in the weeks after the NRL grand final.

There are no such concerns north of the border with Slater and QRL boss Ben Ikin thrashing out a long-term extension.

“It’s an incredible honour to be the Queensland coach. I’m excited about the journey that this current group of players and staff have embarked upon,” Slater said.

“I believe they are only getting started. From the very beginning,I was drawn to this role because I deeply understand the importance of this team to all Queenslanders.

“I’m a proud Queenslander and this team means a lot to me. It has been a massive part of my life and I’m extremely grateful to get the opportunity to help other people,not only fulfil their dream,but inspire our state.”

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