'Lost your minds': Fans blast Blues' Origin jersey 'cash grab'
Rugby league fans have blasted the NSW Blues for introducing an alternative jersey for the 2019 State of Origin game in Perth.
NSW Rugby League unveiled the navy-blue number on Thursday night to break the tradition of sky blue versus Queensland’s maroon.
The traditional chevron will be sky blue in what NSW coach Brad Fittler believes pays homage to the new venue.
“We pride ourselves on being innovative and this will be the first time in State of Origin history that a team has used an alternate jersey,” Fittler said.
“It aligns with our vision of taking a fresh new approach to the series, and the game’s decision to take Origin matches to new frontiers.”
After the corporate speak concluded, footy fans had their say – and the response was almost universally negative.
Some concluded the jersey actually didn’t look that bad but was unnecessary, and perhaps made things worse given the Maroons, well, wear maroon.
Others even thought it was a desperate attempt for Origin to get in on the merchandise money available to NRL clubs, who are now wearing four or five different jerseys in a season.
Even rugby league great and Panthers supremo Phil Gould is against it:
Hate the idea. https://t.co/iznyd48aYE
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) November 1, 2018
Why is there any need whatsoever for New South Wales to have an alternate jersey?
On what planet does light blue ever clash with maroon?#Origin #uptheblues
— Paul Jobber ✈✈ (@paul_jobber23) November 1, 2018
That NSW State of Origin alternate jersey is an atrocity that should never grace the field in a game. NSW is sky blue. #NRL #Origin
— Caden Helmers (@cadenhelmers) November 1, 2018
Perfect jersey for the NSW residents. But not for #Origin
Please change back https://t.co/AwmBuLtK9T
— Scott Foreman (@Scott_Foreman97) November 1, 2018
So why does the NSW Origin team have an alternative jersey … for a two-team competition in which the other team wears maroon?
— Blair Kelly (@ClearBelly) November 1, 2018
I love the actual jersey, it should just never be worn in an origin game. There is no need for it, the maroon v sky blue is one of the most iconic jersey clashes in the world
— Hutch (@thehutch81) November 1, 2018
Alternate jerseys for Origin. Sellouts. https://t.co/yY4YuJHROs
— Gerald Gimes (@tyhrblue) November 1, 2018
Why do we need an alternate Blues jersey for Origin? Personally not a fan
— Mitchell Nichols (@kingnichols10) November 1, 2018
I believe you blokes have LOST YOUR MINDS https://t.co/Tq74uWBDbR
— Brendan Johnson (@the_red_heifer) November 1, 2018
That's a Victorian jersey. 🤣
— Matt Long (@mattlongtweets) November 1, 2018
Why do you feel the need to rip the fans off with this offering of “alternate” jumpers? There’s only one NSW jumper and this ain’t it.
— Pete Wells (@BigDipper62) November 1, 2018
Why would a team that play in light blue and only ever play a team in maroon need an "alternative" strip? 🤔
$$$$ ££££#nswrl #rl #stateoforigin https://t.co/SeEQEUrv8r— Nick Downes (@Downesie147) November 1, 2018
Why does a team in a 2 team series need an alternate strip?
Other than the cash grab of selling more merch of course. https://t.co/kOzymwTBOB
— Bargey (@mrbargearse) November 1, 2018
The Perth match will be followed by a first-time appearance in Adelaide in 2020.
Fittler led the Blues to a triumphant 2-1 series win in his first series as coach, ending a four-year drought and a run of 11 series defeats in 12 years.
And the former NSW captain did so with a left-field approach, including 13 rookies, barefoot training runs, and game-day walks from the hotel to the venues.
While this year’s jersey was made with a skin-tight grip, the latest jumper includes a rear sleeve “to reduce resistance through lateral arm motion.”
It is also designed with “an external stretch tape at back neck for strength and durability.”
NSW will have to defend their crown when the series opens at Suncorp Stadium in June, before heading west to Optus Stadium in Perth.
“We fully support any move to grow rugby league’s showpiece event to even more fans,” Fittler said.
“We’re confident our alternate strip will inspire a new generation of Blues supporters, and give the crowd in Perth even more reason to get behind us as we defend the shield.”
with AAP
