Brad Fittler to coach The NRL Rookie

Nine sports commentator and former NRL star, Brad Fittler, will front 2016 reality series The NRL Rookie as Head Coach.

Fittler, who had a 16 year career in NRL, will oversee the 10-week training program the contestants will go through to in the quest for a guaranteed NRL contract.

“Being Head Coach is a great thrill. People will be going to great lengths to get one last shot at a dream, and watching someone realise that dream will be an awesome experience,” Fittler said.

Glenn Pallister, Nine’s Executive Producer of The NRL Rookie, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed at the response so far and the standard of applicants. The appointment of Brad as Head Coach is the first of the exciting announcements of key roles that will make this show the success we know it will be.”

NRL Head of Football, Todd Greenberg, said “Not only will The NRL Rookie allow us to open a new and unique pathway to talent identification, it will also deliver a fascinating insight into what it takes to be an elite NRL player.

“Brad did it all as a player but he is also a successful coach and, most recently, a mentor for some of the game’s younger pathways players. He is certainly well-equipped to guide these rookies as they chase a dream.”

Produced by McGuire Media the show will also feature specialist coaches, high-performance managers, sports psychologists, nutritionists, current and former NRL players and coaches.

From over 1000 applicants worldwide, 200 standout rookies will now attend trials this week and next in Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland. A number of international applicants are also under consideration.

Production begins in Sydney in August.