NSW makes dramatic change to jersey for State of Origin after Blues copped backlash for controversial kit in 2023
- NSW has ditched its controversial navy blue strip
- Blues fans condemned NSWRL for abandoning tradition
- Reports suggest the navy blue kit will not be used this year
New South Wales has decided to give up its navy blue jersey for this year’s State of Origin, according to reports.
The Blues courted controversy in 2023 after wearing a dark blue strip for Game One, with fans accusing NSWRL of abandoning tradition in pursuit of a win.
However, News Corp reports that there were slow sales of the navy blue comic, with fans unwilling to purchase two comics.
As a result, the Blues ditched the kit in favor of their traditional sky blue number.
But Nathan Cleary apparently won’t don the strip this year as a hamstring injury rules him out for at least eight weeks.
New South Wales has ditched the controversial navy blue State of Origin strip
Fans were left furious after NSW abandoned tradition in the first game last year
Champion playmaker Penrith re-injured his right hamstring during Penrith’s 16-10 win over Canterbury on Friday evening. This was a devastating blow for the Blues, who have sidelined a number of key players through injury.
Cleary left the field just before half-time after suffering a second hamstring injury in as many months, with the Panthers issuing a statement on Sunday confirming the diagnosis.
“Scans revealed a grade 2 hamstring tear, which will rule Cleary out for eight weeks,” the club said in a statement.
It means Cleary will miss Origin I at Accor Stadium in Sydney on June 5 and the second match at the MCG on June 26, while there is no certainty he will be available for game three in Brisbane on July 17.