Why Queensland Maroons had made a small change to their State of Origin jerseys for game one

Queensland make a small but very significant change to their State of Origin jerseys for game one – here’s what it means

Queensland will once again wear Origin jerseys minus the iconic XXXX logo in a bid to recognise the hometown postcodes of each player.

The late swap has been confirmed ahead of the series opener in Adelaide on Wednesday night against NSW.

Current Maroons stars, including skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (4680), Patrick Carrigan (4737), Christian Welch (4152) and Cameron Munster (4701), were happy to back the grassroots concept, as were retired greats Sam Thaiday (4815) and Darren Lockyer (4455).

All the footy identities recognised the important role their local communities and junior clubs played in shaping their careers.

Across the 2023 series, all players picked to represent Queensland will be given the opportunity to wear a chosen postcode on their sleeve.

Queensland will once again wear Origin jerseys minus the XXXX logo to recognise the hometown postcodes of each player (pictured right, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans)

Maroons lock Patrick Carrigan will also proudly display his postcode (4737, pictured above)

Maroons lock Patrick Carrigan will also proudly display his postcode (4737, pictured above)

Last year, Selwyn Cobbo’s uncle Fred revealed the sleeve change involving the popular beer brand in the Sunshine State.

‘4605 will replace XXXX on one of the sleeves. Each player will have the Post Code of their Jnr Club on the sleeve. Mad,’ his relative shared on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Camden watering hole The Plough & Harrow Hotel will be rebranded ‘The Tedesco Inn’ during the 2023 series.

It is a tribute to NSW Origin captain James Tedesco, who is the town’s favourite 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 matches.

Kick-off is 8.05pm from Adelaide Oval, with coverage live on Channel 9.

Brad Fittler’s Blues are slight favourites ($1.85), despite losing centre Latrell Mitchell due to injury on Monday. 

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