Door opens for Penrith Panthers champion coach Ivan Cleary to join NSW Blues Origin staff after Greg ‘Brandy’ Alexander stands down

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is in the box seat to joint the NSW Blues coaching staff after Greg Alexander stepped down as Brad Fittler’s trusted State of Origin adviser.

Off-contract coach Fittler is set to front the NSW Rugby League board on Friday to discuss his preferred staff for next year, after two straight series losses.

It is understood that Fittler’s position is secure, but he could receive some help in the form of Cleary who sat in the coaches box for Origin III this year.

I’m impressed with him the way he handles games and I thought he might be able to help tonight,’ Fittler said after Game III.

‘I asked him a lot of questions… and he came up with pretty good answers.’

But Alexander confirmed on Friday morning he would not continue in the job after working alongside his former Penrith teammate Fittler since assuming the role in 2018.

‘I’ve just decided that that’s enough,’ Alexander said on SEN.