Zach Fittler’s name has begun circulating beyond school rugby circles, not because of his father’s achievements in league, but because of his own work in the NSW Waratahs development system. Signing a two-year elite deal with the Waratahs was a defining moment for the young centre, locking in his commitment to rugby union despite considerable interest from NRL clubs. As he begins playing representative fixtures at U20 level, a clearer picture is forming of a player intent on building his own sporting identity, supported by skill, physical presence and a pathway structure designed to produce Super Rugby talent.
Early Life and School Rugby Foundation
Zach grew up in Sydney with elite sport as a normal part of life. He is the son of Brad Fittler, a two-time NRL premiership winner and long-serving NSW State of Origin captain. Having a father who performed under constant pressure at the highest level meant Zach was never far from training environments, match preparation, tactical discussions and professional standards. Although many expected him to follow directly into rugby league, he gravitated towards rugby union throughout his school years.
He attended The Scots College, one of Australia’s strongest GPS rugby schools, and played three seasons in the First XV. GPS rugby offered both physical and technical challenges, providing grounding for future representative selection. In 2024, he earned selection in the NSW 2nd XV and helped them win the Australian Schools Rugby Championship, a reliable marker of national-level promise in schoolboy rugby. During this period, he developed traits that would shape his playing style: hard direct running, line engagement, power through contact and the confidence to take on defenders in midfield.
Sports Journey and Viral Youth Performance
Fittler’s sporting journey gained momentum in 2022 when a video circulated of him playing for the NSW Waratahs under-16s against Queensland Reds youth. Coming off the bench, he broke through contact and trampled a Reds defender to score a second-half try. The footage went viral across rugby social channels, creating early interest around his size and athleticism for his age. That moment did not make him a finished product, but it did place him firmly on the radar for selectors and talent managers.
After consistent school performances, he earned selection in the Australia Under-18 development squad. That group defeated New Zealand counterparts, a result that gave confidence to coaches about the next wave of Australian players coming through. Several names from that side, including Edwin Langi, Jonty Fowler, Luca Cleverley and Sam Blank, now appear with Zach in NSW Waratahs pathway systems. Their shared experience at international youth level forms the foundation of a development group intended to transition into elite rugby over coming seasons.
Choosing the Waratahs Despite Strong NRL Interest
Zach’s profile attracted attention from both rugby and NRL clubs. The Sydney Roosters were considered likely to sign him after he spent time in their junior setup. NRL clubs routinely send young athletes to private rugby schools to continue controlling their development while allowing them to gain high-level union exposure. That strategy has produced plenty of dual-code players in Sydney.
The Waratahs have been criticised in the past for selecting junior players who already had league ties. In Zach’s case, their decision to maintain relationships with dual-code youth talent paid off. In late September 2024, Fittler signed a two-year elite development contract with the Waratahs. Waratahs talent identification manager Andrew Cleverley said, “Given Zach’s character, attitude and ability, we are very excited for him to continue developing in the NSW Waratahs pathways system for the next two years.”
His father confirmed the decision was made on interest rather than pressure. Speaking on the Freddy and the 8th podcast, Brad said, “He just likes union at the moment; I don’t think he’s lost to the league totally.” Those comments positioned the move as player-driven rather than a rejection of rugby league entirely.
Centre Start for the Waratahs U20s in Pacifica Trial
Zach’s first significant step in the Waratahs system came in January 2025 when he was named to start in the centres for the Waratahs U20s against NSW Pacifica Under 20 at Eric Tweedale Stadium. He formed part of a backline full of youth talent including Australia U20 halves Hwi Sharples and Joey Fowler. Fowler was also named in the Waratahs senior squad for the Pacifica match, along with Eamon Doyle who captained the U20 side after playing every game in the U20 World Championships in South Africa.
Waratahs U20 coach Shannon Fraser explained the preparation had been ongoing since early November and that some players had already completed pre-season sessions with the senior squad. Fraser said, “We also have the luxury of having a couple of players who have done a pre-season with the senior squad. They bring a lot of experience and knowledge.” He also commented on the realistic challenges of early-season trial games, saying, “The preparation has been short, but good. With the systems, structures, plays and calls and the whole cohesive piece, it’s going to be clunky. What we’re looking for is the effort and individual actions of the players.
Those comments captured the development focus placed on technical accuracy, decision-making and application under match pressure rather than chasing perfect combinations.
Playing Style, Learning Moments and Positional Progression
Zach’s style is built on size, direct running and midfield presence. He is primarily used as a centre, although he has played wing when needed. His ability to break the line and draw defenders makes him a natural midfield ball carrier. At school level, he received a red card for a high tackle against St Ignatius College and served a one-week suspension, which coaches have used to reinforce discipline and technique in defence. Those moments form part of his development, not setbacks.
Coaching staff have highlighted work on distribution, defensive positioning, communication in midfield and controlling physicality to match professional standards. With clearer structures, he is expected to become more effective at controlling space in the centre channel.
Training Environment and Senior Influence
The Waratahs have been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels after signing Wallabies such as Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Darby Lancaster and Andrew Kellaway. Fittler now trains in a layered environment where senior experience and youth pathways overlap. Players like Joseph Suaali’i, who successfully moved from league to union, provide examples of cross-code athletic development.
Training alongside established internationals gives Fittler access to professional habits, conditioning expectations and daily examples of rugby at high performance level.
Next Steps and Long-Term Outlook
The next phase for Fittler will involve consistent match time in Waratahs U20 fixtures, continued training blocks with senior teams and progression into Shute Shield club systems. If development continues at current pace, he will be monitored for Junior Wallabies selection and wider representative consideration. The Waratahs believe he is tracking along a realistic pathway to Super Rugby, as long as technical refinement, decision-making and physical conditioning continue improving.
What remains clear is that Zach Fittler is not chasing comparisons. His decision to sign with the Waratahs was based on enjoying rugby union and building a sporting career on his own terms. With strong early signs, national youth experience and access to elite systems, he has placed himself in the right environment to push toward the next stages of professional rugby.
Conclusion
Zach Fittler’s journey is still in its opening chapter, yet the signs suggest a player willing to listen, absorb, improve and compete. The decision to commit to rugby union rather than follow a family legacy in league speaks to a young athlete making choices based on interest rather than expectation. His early representative performances, national youth selection and Waratahs U20 involvement show a clear pathway in front of him, built on coaching support, competitive pressure and access to senior professionals every week.
The next two years will be more demanding than anything he has experienced at school level, but they also present genuine opportunity. Technical detail, defensive accuracy, ball movement and consistency are all areas that can transform potential into Super Rugby selection. With emerging talent around him and a development environment that values growth rather than shortcuts, Fittler has placed himself exactly where he needs to be.
If his progress continues, the young centre could become one of the standout names from this group of Waratahs prospects. For now, he remains focused on training, learning and earning his place through performance, rather than reputation. That approach, more than anything else, will determine how far he can go in Australian rugby.
FAQs
Who does Brad Fittler’s son play for?
Brad Fittler’s son, Zach Fittler, plays rugby union for the NSW Waratahs after signing a two-year development deal.
Are Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler friends?
Both men share a long history in rugby league as former players, Origin teammates and broadcasters, but there is no publicly verified information confirming a close personal friendship.
How old is Zach Fittler?
Zach Fittler was 18 years old at the time he signed his Waratahs contract in late 2024.
Is Zach Fittler related to Brad Fittler?
Yes. Zach is the son of Brad Fittler, the former State of Origin captain and NRL premiership winner.
Why did Brad Fittler quit?
Brad Fittler retired from first-grade rugby league in 2004 after a long professional career, later moving into coaching and media roles.
Who was the youngest NRL player to debut?
The youngest recognised NRL debutant was William Hopoate, who was 16 when he played his first top-grade match.
Who is the youngest NSW Origin player?
The youngest Origin player on record remains Ben Ikin, who debuted for Queensland at 18 years of age. NSW has had several teenage debutants but none younger than Ikin across the entire series.
Was Zach Fittler a successful player?
Zach is considered a promising young player rather than a finished product. He has earned representative honours and a Waratahs development contract, but his senior professional career is still ahead of him.
