Fittler backs Keary

COACH Brad Fittler has seen and heard enough of Luke Keary to know he is a true Blues player and declared there is no more deserving owner of a maiden New South Wales (NSW) jersey.
Keary will put four years of being tantalisingly close to a State of Origin debut behind him when he runs out in the No.6 jersey in tonight’s series opener.
But it hasn’t come without controversy.
As late as yesterday, Queensland coach Wayne Bennett was still questioning the eligibility rules that have allowed Keary to play for NSW, arguing they have always been a “shemozzle”.
Born in Queensland, Keary moved to NSW at age eight but still attended an emerging Maroons camp.
Fittler has no issues with the eligibility rules, which were refined after the defections of Greg Inglis and Israel Folau to Queensland in the 2000s .
Under the conditions, eligibility is largely determined based on where players played and spent the majority of their childhood from age six to 18.
In camp this week, Fittler said Keary had been as passionate as any about the Blues jumper.
“It was just a great chat to hear his side and the truth of when he moved and how he feels about State of Origin,” Fittler said. “I don’t think anyone understood (his story).
“He moved as a young kid, but his parents are Queenslanders.
“They go for Queensland and he does still have relatives there.
“But he’s been in NSW for a lot longer than he was up in Queensland. He’s incredibly committed.” – AAP