- Zach Fittler has long impressed league and union scouts
- Set to be offered an Academy deal with the NSW Waratahs
- Rugby Australia believed to be chipping into contract offer
- Fittler, 18, is also on the books of the Sydney Roosters
A footy tug-of-war is brewing over Zach Fittler, the son of NRL legend Brad Fittler – and rugby union has made the first move.
The in-demand youngster recently met with representatives from NSW Waratahs and is set to be offered an Academy deal with the Super Pacific franchise once he completes his HSC at the Scots College in Sydney’s east.
It is understood Rugby Australia are also contributing to the contract offer, having earmarked the talented youngster ever since he entered their junior pathway system in 2022.
Fittler, 18, is clearly talented at both codes – he has been a member of Scots’ first XV in Sydney the past three years and was picked for the Waratahs’ and Australian under-16 sides in 2022.
He also played league for the Sydney Roosters at Harold Matthews Cup level and made the NSW Blues under-17s squad as a backrower.
NSW Rugby talent identification manager Andrew Cleverley openly stated Fittler’s future will be in rugby, if he has his way.
‘It has been a bit of a wrap-our-arms-around-him approach, and see whether they bite at that opportunity,’ he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘Zach, in our opinion, fits a power athlete playing in the middle of the field. Zach Fittler definitely fits rugby union.
A footy tug-of-war is brewing over Zach Fittler, the son of NRL legend Brad Fittler – and rugby union have made the first move (he is pictured representing the NSW Waratahs at under-16 level)
Brad Fittler won’t pressure his son to choose one footy code over the other, declaring ‘I am just happy he is enjoying himself’
‘There are a lot of kids these days who are both, we call them dual athletes.
‘And it can be a tough decision for kids who are brilliant at both games.’
Zach’s old man 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,’ the former NSW Blues Origin coach said.
‘Both codes are on offer there for him, but I stay out of telling him anything, really.
‘I find he doesn’t listen to me anyway. I am just happy he is enjoying himself.’
If Fittler does pursue a career in rugby, it would be a much needed win for the embattled code in Australia.
The likes of Roosters star Joseph Sua’ali’i (Kings), Eels centre Will Penisini (Kings), Roosters backrower Angus Crichton (Scots) and Rabbitohs lock Cameron Murray (Newington) all attended GPS rugby nurseries before opting for the NRL sporting path.
