Why NSW coach Brad Fittler has put Blues on a booze ban ahead of must-win State of Origin game two

NSW coach Brad Fittler has enforced a booze ban on his playing group as he looks to square the Origin series at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on June 21.

A shortened preparation, gun centre Latrell Mitchell being ruled out with a calf injury and concussion concerns over backrower Liam Martin have the Blues seemingly in dire straits.

So with his job on the line, Fittler has replaced beers with water at the team’s Coogee base as he looks to produce an Origin miracle.

Skipper James Tedesco backed the move, which is a far cry from the drinking sessions in Kings Cross back in the late 1990s and early 2000s where Fittler himself was front and centre during his decorated playing career.

NSW coach Brad Fittler has enforced a booze ban on his playing group as he looks to square the Origin series at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on June 21

Skipper James Tedesco backed the move, stating the Blues need to be ‘fit, strong and ready to go’ come game two at Suncorp Stadium

‘It’s good. It was Freddy’s call. We’ve got guys not 100 per cent fit, and the last camp we had guys hobbling through,’ Tedesco told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘Coming in later this time, the emphasis was on making sure we are fit, healthy and strong, and ready to go next Wednesday.

‘It’s a small sacrifice to make sure we are all ready to go next week.’

NSW gave Queensland a 24-hour head start because they could only name their team on Tuesday due to the number of eligible players featuring in Monday afternoon’s Bulldogs vs Eels clash. 

Prop Junior Paulo also believes an alcohol-free camp could prove to be decisive.

‘There’s the shorter turnaround, and at this time of year a lot of boys are carrying a few niggling injuries, so this is more about getting our bodies right,’ he said.

‘Nobody complained. We’re all looking forward to getting out there and doing our best.’

Blues prop Junior Paulo (pictured left, with NSW teammate Brian To’o) said nobody complained about the lack of grog during the camp

Fittler has pinned his hopes on Mitch Moses to steer the team around as the new halfback, and Stephen Crichton will replace Mitchell with Matt Burton coming in as 18th man.

Young gun Stefano Utoikamanu and crafty hooker Reece Robson will debut off the bench.

Queensland, starting as short-priced favourites for the first time since 2019, have firmed into $1.46, with NSW $2.80, according to the TAB.