Around 160 boys and girls registered to be part of the Tackle Ready clinic, which Fittler, women's counterpart Kylie Hilder and former Blues captain Boyd Cordner all took active roles in at Equex Centre on Saturday.

After COVID-19 impacted another rugby league season, Fittler was thrilled to see so many enjoying being together and playing sport.

"It's given everyone a reason not only to come out but to come out together," Fittler said.

"It's a really nice thing but just for them but for us."

He hopes it can help the next generation of Wagga talent follow their dreams.

Or maybe Temora product Liam Martin.

Martin made his State Of Origin debut for Fittler in game one of the series and played off the bench in all three games of their series win.

Fittler can't help but be impressed with the 24-year-old

"He is fantastic," Fittler said. "The step up just didn't bother him and it is hard to play your same game around people you don't know.

"It is a real challenge but he did that and he just owned it.

"He's also a well liked player across the group, which is always hard to do but he did a great job."

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Martin's intelligence was another thing that really stood out to Fittler.

"The way he plays you might sometimes think he may not be all that intelligent but he's very intelligent and knows how to push the boundaries, play aggressive but also play within the rules.

"It's invaluable. Especially in State Of Origin."

NSW were forced to play all three of their games in Queensland due to border restrictions.

However Fittler is hopeful the Blues can kick start their title defence in front of a big

"We're about 185 days away so hopefully the lunacy of COVID doesn't keep going and we can see 80,000 people in Sydney as there is nothing better than playing in front of your home crowd," he said.

"If we can win that game we are 1-0 and history says that gives you a really good chance of winning."