- Zach Fittler has long impressed league and union scouts.
- He will be offered an Academy contract with the New South Wales Waratahs
- Rugby Australia is believed to be putting money into the contract offer
- Fittler, 18, is also on the Sydney Roosters roster.
A footballing row is brewing over Zach Fittler, the son of NRL legend Brad Fittler, and rugby has made the first move.
The highly sought-after youngster recently met with representatives from NSW Waratahs and will be offered an Academy contract with the Super Pacific franchise once he completes his HSC at Scots College in Sydney’s east.
Rugby Australia are also understood to be contributing to the contract offer, having scouted the talented youngster since he entered their junior pathway system in 2022.
Fittler, 18, is clearly talented in both codes – he has been a member of Scotland’s first XV in Sydney for the past three years and has been selected for the Waratahs and Australia under-16 teams in 2022.
He also played league football for the Sydney Roosters at Harold Matthews Cup level and was part of the NSW Blues under-17 team as a back-rower.
NSW Rugby talent identification manager Andrew Cleverley has openly stated that Fittler’s future will be in rugby, if he has his way.
“We’ve tried to put our arms around them and see if they take advantage of that opportunity,” he said. The Sydney Morning Herald.
‘In our opinion, Zach is a powerful athlete who plays in the midfield. Zach Fittler definitely fits into rugby union.
A footballing row is brewing over Zach Fittler, the son of NRL legend Brad Fittler, and rugby union has made the first move (he is pictured representing the New South Wales Waratahs at under-16 level).
Brad Fittler doesn’t put pressure on his son to choose one football code over the other, declaring: “I’m happy he’s having fun”
‘Nowadays there are many children who are both, whom we call dual athletes.
“And it can be a difficult decision for kids who are brilliant at both games.”
Zach’s father Brad Fittler, who made his first-grade debut in 1989 for Penrith while still in Year 12, confirmed the final decision will rest with his son.
“At the end of the day, he enjoys playing both sports,” the former NSW Blues Origin coach said.
‘There you are offered both codes, but I won’t really tell you anything.
“Anyway, I can tell you’re not listening. I’m glad you’re having fun.”
If Fittler decides to pursue a career in rugby, it will be a much-needed victory for the troubled Australian code.
Players including Roosters star Joseph Sua’ali’i (Kings), Eels centre Will Penisini (Kings), Roosters back-row Angus Crichton (Scots) and Rabbitohs second-row Cameron Murray (Newington) all attended GPS rugby nurseries before choosing the NRL sporting path.
