Pipeline 2026: Brad Fittler to talk game-changing moments at Pipeline 2026

Rugby league great Brad “Freddy” Fittler will join ICT partners at Pipeline 2026 in May on Hamilton Island, bringing a candid look at leadership, culture and how to keep performing when the rules of the game keep changing – a perfect fit for this year’s Pipeline theme, Game Changers.

Across his 16-season career, Fittler played through some of the big shifts rugby league has seen: rule changes that influenced how teams played, jumps in athleticism and professionalism, the evolution of coaching methods, and a culture that transformed from old-school toughness into a more strategic, analytical era. Yet he not only adapted – he dominated.

Over a 16-season career, Fittler played 336 first-grade games, representing the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters, captaining NSW in State of Origin, and leading Australia in 20 Tests and 5 World Cup victories. In 2000, he received the Golden Boot as the world’s best player.

As a captain and coach, Brad guided the Roosters to the 2002 Premiership and led NSW to State of Origin wins in 2018 and 2019. He remains the youngest player to represent NSW in State of Origin and played 409 combined club and representative games. Since retiring, Brad co-hosts The Sunday Footy Show and provides NRL commentary for the Nine Network.

Fittler has become a commentator and speaker who cuts through noise with practical lessons on leadership, culture and resilience. His perspective on how the game changed around him, and how he changed with it, speaks to an ICT channel constantly dealing with its own moving goalposts.

At Pipeline, Fittler will share stories from playing and coaching across different eras, unpack what actually builds high-performance teams, and take audience questions. He’ll also spend time with guests during the evening.

For business owners and leaders navigating pressure, change and competition, this session will offer leadership insight grounded that cuts through corporate clichés.

Pipeline 2026 takes place 6–8 May on Hamilton Island. Register your interest in attending.

Arrangements were made through Celebrity Speakers.