State of Origin 2023: NSW Blues unveil $8m Westpac sponsorship, new jerseys

The NSWRL has secured a stunning naming rights sponsorship package, with Westpac replacing Brydens Lawyers on the front of the NSW Blues’ jerseys.

The NSWRL has secured a stunning $8m naming rights sponsorship package which includes prime exposure on the Blues’ iconic State of Origin jumper.

In a major coup, Westpac will now feature on the front of NSW’s jersey, replacing Brydens Lawyers, the Blues’ major sponsor since 2018.

It is understood the Westpac deal is worth $2m a season – topping $8m over the sponsorship’s four-year tenure.

The partnership, announced on Wednesday by NSW star Tom Trbojevic and Sky Blues star Emma Tonegato, will provide equal financial support for programs promoting the men’s and women’s game.

Trbojevic and Tonegato arrived for the launch – at NSWRL’s Centre of Excellence inside Sydney Olympic Park – in a Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

Westpac will donate $5000 for every NSW try scored in men’s and women’s games during 2023 to help the rescue service.

NSW Blues stars Emma Tonegato (middle) and Tom Trbojevic (right) and emerging star Lacey Cross (left) show off the Blues’ new kit for 2023. Picture: Supplied.

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

“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.”

NSWRL chief commercial officer Jodie Cross added: “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.”

Westpac Group chief customer engagement officer Ross Miller said: “Sport is for everyone, and that’s why we’re so proud to provide equal financial support to the men’s and women’s game through this partnership.

“For more than 205 years, Westpac has been supporting customers and communities across NSW. This partnership is about the future, particularly the development of the next generation of female Origin superstars through the Westpac Junior Sky Blues Academy.”

The new Westpac NSW Blues jersey is expected to be available for purchase next month.

EXCLUSIVE – ELIGIBILITY BOMBSHELL: POMS, KIWIS ON TRACK FOR ORIGIN SELECTION

—Peter Badel

Cowboys sensation Jason Taumalolo and Roosters star Victor Radley could be eligible for State of Origin under plans for a potential overhaul of eligibility rules for the NRL’s $100 million showpiece.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys told News Corp he has given the green light for fellow commissioner Wayne Pearce to preside over a fresh review of Origin eligibility laws ahead of the 2023 interstate series.

There is a push for players from Australia’s tier-one international rivals, England and New Zealand, to be allowed to play Origin if they also satisfy selection guidelines to be eligible for NSW or Queensland.

Historically, State of Origin was the ultimate selection trial for Australian representation. And under current Origin laws, drafted by the ARL Commission in 2012, players had to “elect to play for Australia” and “have not represented another tier-one nation at senior level” to be eligible for NSW or Queensland.

But that could be about to change in what would represent the most significant selection shake-up in Origin’s 42-year history.

Victor Radley playing for England. Picture: Michael Steele/Getty

Victor Radley has been in the Blues squad for years. Picture: Brett Costello

Speaking exclusively to News Corp, Pearce, the former NSW skipper, says there is a possibility players of New Zealand and British descent could play State of Origin if a review supports an amendment to existing eligibility rules.

As part of his review, Pearce will canvass opinion from a number of stakeholders, with Origin coaches Brad Fittler (NSW) and Billy Slater (Queensland) almost certain to be consulted.

“This is only my personal view and it’s that the Origin concept has evolved,” Pearce said.

“There are now so many international players in the game that Origin should no longer be seen as purely a pathway to representation for Australia – on the proviso that players fulfil the criteria of eligibility for State of Origin.

“State of Origin should be a pathway to international football, not just playing for Australia, but they must fulfil the criteria as it’s already set out.”

Fittler and NRL super coach Wayne Bennett are on the same page as Pearce.

The Blues coach believes Radley, who made his debut for tier-one nation England at the recent World Cup, should also be allowed to play Origin because he was born in Sydney and came through as a junior in the NSW system.

A rule change could also make Taumalolo eligible for Queensland. The Cowboys wrecking ball moved to Townsville at age 13 and represented the Australian Schoolboys while completing his high-school years in Queensland.

Former Maroons coach Paul Green made inquiries about selecting Taumalolo last year for the 2021 series, but under existing rules, the Cowboys forward was ineligible for Origin because he had represented New Zealand before his defection to Tonga.

Jason Taumalolo would be eligible to represent Queensland under the reworked rules. Picture: AAP/Richard Wainwright

But if the rules were changed, Taumalolo could find himself playing Origin for Queensland next season, regardless of his past representation for the Kiwis.

“We haven’t started the review (of Origin rules) yet because we have been working through the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement), but we will be doing a review of State of Origin,” Pearce said.

“We had started one but with all the dramas last year (relating to Covid) we didn’t get to a completion.

“We have to get together with the stakeholders to work out what will effectively be the best outcome for the game. We have to look at the potential downside (of allowing Kiwis and Poms to play Origin).

“It comes back to the principle … is Origin a selection trial for Australia or is it a selection trial for international football?”

V’landys added: “Any good corporation has to review matters, has to adapt to changes and we will definitely do that.

“Brad Fittler has a strong case and strong ideas which we will again investigate, but it’s a very polarising issue.

“The Origin review will happen again and we will seek everyone’s views and come to a landing.

“But I must stress that a lot of people didn’t want changes to the rules last time so it won’t be an easy process.”

Originally published as State of Origin 2023: NSW Blues unveil $8m Westpac sponsorship, new jerseys