NRL: Fittler to coach City side

Brad Fittler. Photo / Getty Images

NSW great Brad Fittler has been confirmed as the City Origin coach for the annual clash with Country.

The former Sydney Roosters mentor will take the reins for the Blues selection trial which this year will be played at Lavington Sports Ground in Albury on May 6.

He replaces Gold Coast boss John Cartwright and will oppose another former NSW five-eighth in Country Origin coach Laurie Daley.

"Freddy (Fittler) and Laurie are two of the greatest players to pull on a Blues jersey so to have them involved in the Origin process is a positive for us," NSW Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr said.

"Freddy has already expressed to me how keen he is to work with (NSW coach) Ricky Stuart to help rebuild the Blues and I am sure Laurie feels the same.

"John Cartwright has done a wonderful job for us the last two years but, with his new role as Blues assistant, the City job would have been too much of a stretch.

"Freddy has coached successfully at NRL level so I am sure he will be right at home in the representative coaching arena."

The match will be played on the same night as the test between Australia and New Zealand in Christchurch.

- AAP