Rival State of Origin coaches Billy Slater and Brad Fittler have reportedly backed out of taking new roles as selectors for the Kangaroos’ World Cup squad.
Ahead of this year’s State of Origin series, NRL head of football Graham Annesley announced that NSW mentor Fittler and Maroons coach Slater would become Kangaroos selectors, replacing Laurie Daley and Darren Lockyer on the panel.
The move even led to the Australian Rugby League Commission to request the Aussies submit their 50-man squad later than the June 22 deadline to World Cup officials so NSW and Maroons officials could wrap up state duties.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Fittler and Slater have now withdrawn from the roles.
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“From what I’m told, Billy and Freddy [Fittler] believe they’ve got a conflict of interest because if they don’t go in there and stick up for the players they’re coaching and they miss out, the perception might be they’re not loyal to them,” ARLC chairman Peter V’landys told the publication.
In their place, Daley and Lockyer will return to the selection panel, in which coach Mal Meninga does not have a formal vote – while V’landys has the decisive vote.
“They’re two legends of the game,” V’landys added. “I love Laurie, and one of the nicest people to me when I came into the game was Darren Lockyer, so you couldn’t ask for two better people. I respect both the views of Billy and Freddy. I can understand where they’re coming from and it’s no problem.”
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