https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp...rise-of-craig-fitzgibbon-20210413-p57ixs.html
Good read !
Craig Fitzgibbon was once the ball boy at Cronulla. His dad, Allan, coached the Sharks between 1988 and 1991, and his son was a regular at training and on game day.
An old-school coach, Allan Fitzgibbon was a man of his word. He prided himself on honesty and integrity. It’s no wonder Craig knocked back lucrative offers from both the New Zealand Warriors and St George Illawarra Dragons to remain loyal to the Sydney Roosters.
"Loyalty certainly is a big thing," Allan Fitzgibbon told the Herald just hours after his son had been appointed coach of the Sharks on a three-year deal worth $1.6 million.
“From our end, that’s how he was brought up. He has a contract, he will adhere to the contract. That’s what happened last year. It’s always been part of him. He’s always been very loyal to the places he’s been to. He’s had prior opportunities but he wouldn’t break his contract.”
Fitzgibbon, who coached seven seasons in the ARL at both Cronulla and the Illawarra Steelers, wouldn't delve into the strengths of his son as a coach, but had no hesitation in paying tribute to the Roosters and the apprenticeship he has undertaken courtesy of Nick Politis and Trent Robinson.
"Nick has probably been the main influence on his career," Allan said. "To be at one place for 20 years is probably unheard of, especially to do it in a playing capacity and then as an official capacity as well. It probably speaks for itself.
“Without a doubt, Trent Robinson has played a big part as well. They are a very strong organisation. They are very well-organised. What he has learnt over the years will hold him in good stead. He owes a lot to the Roosters.”
Fitzgibbon informed Roosters supremo Nick Politis of his intention to link with the Sharks over the weekend, receiving his blessing to depart at season's end.
While there's a sense of romanticism around Fitzgibbon linking with the club he was once ball boy at and his father coached, Allan insists it would have had no impact on his decision.
"Going there is fine, and I will always have a soft spot for the Sharks because I coached there," he said.
"But it's entirely up to him what he does with his career and where he coaches. It's a decision for what is best for his career. The fact I coached there wouldn't have any baring on his decision to go there. I wouldn't think that at all.
"He doesn't really come to me. I try and keep out of those things. It's a new breed now to how I grew up coaching. My thoughts I keep to myself. Sometimes we discuss it, sometimes we don't. Sometimes I get a direct answer, sometimes I don't. That's just how it is."
Fitzgibbon is regarded as the best of the rookie coaches in the NRL. He is renowned for his role as the Roosters defence coach, but his ability to connect with players on a level beyond rugby league is also part of the appeal.
His father wouldn’t be drawn into conversations around how good his son will be, but knows the chances to embark on the journey he is about to undertake don’t come around often.
"You got to have the opportunity to do it, that's what it is all about," Allan said. "If you've done your homework and you've got a good upbringing, which he has with the Roosters, you put yourself in a strong position. Time will tell."
