NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler believes criticism on social media is “normal” as his side prepares to head to Brisbane for Origin II.
After losing the opening fixture at Adelaide Oval, Fittler made five changes to the side with Tevita Pangai Junior and Nicho Hynes axed in favour of Stefano Utoikamanu and Reece Robson.
Damien Cook and Mitchell Moses both replaced the injured Apisai Koroisau and Nathan Cleary while Latrell Mitchell was originally included but succumbed to injury with Stephen Crichton returning to the starting side.
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Fittler has copped plenty of criticism for his selections ever since taking on the NSW Blues role – which comes with the territory – and many believed Adam Reynolds and Nicho Hynes were unlucky to have missed out on the halfback role.
The coach said the people on his side are the people that matter, not the critics.
“The people I walk past everyday don’t (criticise), they’re very encouraging, they’re very supportive and they can see there’s a good footy team there, they’re going to try hard,” he said.
“They’re the only people I’ve been listening to at the moment.”
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After stating he doesn’t have social media during a Blues press conference, Fittler encouraged reporters and fans to talk with the people he’s been conversing with.
“That’s normal (criticism of team selections), go and hang out with the people that are walking on the street that I see every day, they’re very supportive of the team, I think they can see there’s a good footy team here.”
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