NSW Blues shredded by fans after unveiling new State of Origin jerseys

Rugby league fans have taken to social media to mock the new State of Origin jerseys unveiled by New South Wales this week. The Blues showed off their new-look strips on Wednesday after announcing a stunning $8 million naming rights sponsorship deal with banking giants, Westpac.

It's understood the sponsorship agreement - which includes Westpac's iconic 'W' logo splashed across the front of the jerseys - is worth around $8 million, or $2 million per season for the NSWRL.

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Blues stars Tom Trbojevic and Emma Tonegato posed for photos in the men's and women's jerseys at a launch at NSWRL’s Centre of Excellence inside Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday, with the pair arriving in a Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

As part of the new deal which sees Brydens Lawyers replaced as the Blues' major sponsor, Westpac has also agreed to donate $5000 for every NSW try scored in both the men’s and women’s series, with proceeds going towards the rescue service.

“Westpac and NSWRL are two organisations that are such huge parts of the lives of Australians across the state,” NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said at Wednesday's launch.

“We know everyone at Westpac shares our passion for the development of the game across NSW, and we’re looking forward to working closely with them to achieve this from Origin to our grassroots Academy programs.”

The deal is also set to provide equal financial support for programs promoting the men’s and women’s game, with NSWRL chief commercial officer Jodie Cross adding: “Female participation is one of the fastest-growing areas in our game and we are looking forward to bringing that to life in the new Westpac Junior Sky Blues Academy initiative.”

However, the new-look strips that the Blues teams will be playing out of have not gone down well with fans, many of whom have taken to social media to express their displeasure.

Brad Fittler pushing for Origin eligibility changes

The 2023 Origin series could also have a new look, with the game's decision-makers weighing up a change to eligibility rules and NSW coach Brad Fittler pushing for Australian-raised New Zealand and England players to be able to represent either state.

The International Rugby League has indicated they will not change Samoa's status to tier-one from tier-two, meaning several big-name stars will remain eligible for Origin. While the Pacific Nation made their first World Cup final this month, the determination between tiers is centred around each country's domestic game and infrastructure.

Under current Origin rules, players who represent tier-two nations are free to play for NSW or Queensland if they were born or lived there before age 13. However, those who represent either New Zealand or England - as the other tier-one nations - are automatically ineligible.

"For both games to flourish, if you (play) in NSW or Queensland or at a certain age then you should be able to play for NSW or Queensland. It's simple. What you do with international football, probably needs a little more detail," Fittler said.

"But at the end of the day, State of Origin should be for people born or lived in NSW or Queensland, before the age of 13."

Fittler argues that players should not be punished for wanting to represent their family's heritage, by being excluded from playing Origin.

"Sebastian Kris has played for New Zealand, he has played for NSW since he was 15. Reimis Smith has played for New Zealand, he has grown up in NSW since he was a baby," Fittler added.

"I wonder why these players don't have the chance to play for NSW because of the heritage of their father, while also getting the ability to play international football."

The Blues coach argues relaxing eligibility rules would strengthen the Origin concept while also continuing to make the World Cup more competitive.

"Of course (it makes Origin stronger), you have more players to choose from," the NSW coach added. "What happens is when you play State of Origin it is a more intense game. You take that experience and you take it to another game.

"So every game you play at a higher level you learn from that experience. Hopefully you take some calm and some control and be better at it next time it comes."

with AAP

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