Queensland is making a small but very significant change to their State of Origin jerseys for game one – here’s what it means
- Queensland’s Origin jerseys do not have XXXX on the sleeves
- Replaced by postcodes where Maroons’ stars played junior footy
- In southwest Sydney, a pub was renamed Tedesco Inn
- Named after skipper, fullback and former local James Tedesco
- The kick-off from Adelaide Oval is on Wednesday evening at 8:05 p.m
Queensland will once again wear Origin jerseys minus the iconic XXXX logo to recognize each player’s hometown postcodes.
The late trade has been confirmed ahead of the series opener in Adelaide against NSW on Wednesday night.
Current Maroons stars, including skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (4680), Patrick Carrigan (4737), Christian Welch (4152) and Cameron Munster (4701), were keen to support the grassroots concept, as were retired greats Sam Thaiday (4815) and Darren Lockyer (4455).
All footy identities recognized the important role their local communities and youth clubs played in shaping their careers.
In the 2023 series, all players chosen to represent Queensland will have the chance to wear a chosen postcode on their sleeve.
Queensland will once again wear Origin jerseys minus the XXXX logo to recognize the postal codes of each player’s hometown (pictured right, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans)
Maroons lock Patrick Carrigan will also proudly display his postcode (4737, photo above)
Last year, Selwyn Cobbo’s uncle, Fred, unveiled the sleeve change of the popular Sunshine State beer brand.
‘4605 replaces XXXX on one of the sleeves. Each player has the zip code of his Jnr Club on his sleeve. Crazy,” his family member shared on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Camden watering hole The Plow & Harrow Hotel gets a new name “The Tedesco Innduring the 2023 series.
It pays tribute to NSW Origin Captain James Tedesco, the town’s favorite son after growing up in Sydney’s South West.
Beer brand Tooheys will also donate 50 cents to the Camden Rams – Tedesco’s junior footy club – for every schooner sold at The Tedesco Inn during the three games.
Kick-off is at 8.05pm from Adelaide Oval, with live coverage on Channel 9.
Brad Fittler’s Blues are light favorites ($1.85), despite losing center Latrell Mitchell to an injury on Monday.