- Zach Fittler has long impressed scouts from the league and the union
- Will be offered an Academy deal with the NSW Waratahs
- Rugby Australia is expected to contribute to the contract offer
- Fittler, 18, is also on the books of the Sydney Roosters
There is a football tug-of-war going on over Zach Fittler, the son of NRL legend Brad Fittler. Rugby union has made the first move.
The sought-after youngster recently met with representatives from NSW Waratahs and is expected to 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 reportedly contributing to the contract offer, having had their eye on the talented youngster since he joined the junior system in 2022.
The 18-year-old Fittler clearly has talent in both disciplines, having spent the past three years in the Scotland first team in Sydney and being selected for the Waratahs and the Australian under-16 team in 2022.
He also played for the Sydney Roosters at Harold Matthews Cup level and was part of the NSW Blues under-17 team as a backrower.
Andrew Cleverley, talent identification manager at NSW Rugby, has openly said Fittler’s future will be in rugby if he has his way.
“It’s been a bit of a ‘hug him’ approach and see if they take that opportunity,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘For us, Zach fits in with a power athlete who plays in midfield. Zach Fittler definitely fits in with rugby union.
There’s a football tug-of-war going on over Zach Fittler, the son of NRL legend Brad Fittler – and rugby union has made the first move (he’s pictured representing the NSW Waratahs at under-16 level)
Brad Fittler won’t pressure his son to choose one football code over another, declaring: ‘I’m just happy he’s enjoying himself’
‘There are a lot of kids these days who do both disciplines. We call them dual athletes.
“And it can be a difficult decision for kids who excel in both sports.”
Brad Fittler, father of Zach, who made his Penrith first grade debut in 1989 when he was still in Year 12, confirmed that the final decision rests with his son.
“Ultimately he enjoys playing both,” the former NSW Blues Origin coach said.
‘Both codes are offered to him, but I don’t actually tell him anything about them.
‘I can tell he’s not listening to me anyway. I’m just glad he’s having a good time.’
If Fittler does indeed pursue a career in rugby, it would be a much-needed victory for Australia’s controversial code.
Players such as Roosters star Joseph Sua’ali’i (Kings), Eels midfielder Will Penisini (Kings), Roosters backrower Angus Crichton (Scots) and Rabbitohs player Cameron Murray (Newington) all attended GPS rugby nurseries before choosing the NRL sporting path.
