He may be one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time but Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler faced one of the biggest challenges of his career today at NSWRL's True Blue Activation.
Celebrating Australia Day at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks, Fittler took on a mechanical 'ball' and did so with resounding success.
Fittler had two attempts at the ball with his second ride being the most impressive – clocking 23.32 seconds after his initial 12.35 second effort.
Initially, however, he did have his fears before he conquered the great unknown.
"I deliberately didn't wear shoes hoping that there was going to be a law that you had to have shoes on the ball, but apparently you don't," Fittler told NSWRLcom.au.
"I do need something to compete with though."
"[If 15 seconds is the target] then I'll do 16, I'll put an extra second on the best – that's what I'll do."
And like all true champions, they can only stay down for so long, and Fittler took many by surprise with his strong handling as he provided hilarious entertainment for those watching on.
Fittler's efforts on the ball was a small part of the entertainment as thousands of fans passed through and were gifted with Blatchy's Blues merchandise, team posters and plenty of photo opportunities with some of NSW'S greatest players.
True Blues Steve Roach, Paul Sironen, Steve Mortimer, Jamie Soward, Luke Lewis and Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues assistant coach Danny Buderus were on hand to give fans the perfect Australia Day celebration.
Fittler spoke of the success of the day as he and thousands of people showed their support for the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues while also enjoying the many sights of Sydney's harbour.
"It's so great to see our brand down on the foreshore and with thousands of people walking around and it can only benefit the Blues," Fittler said.
"And for the people who didn't know what Rugby League was, they just might after this experience."
