State of Origin 2023: NSW Blues defend move away from sky blue jersey to navy blue

NSW Blues’ jersey for the State of Origin series opener against Queensland has caused outrage, with calls for fans to stage a protest.

The new jersey (L) and a similar jersey from 2019.

The NSW Blues have defended their decision to move away from their traditional sky blue jersey for next week’s State of Origin opener, claiming their navy strip is popular with fans.

For the third time in Origin history, NSW will don a dark blue jersey against Queensland, prompting Fox League commentator Andrew Voss to lash out at the unfamiliar colours.

“I reckon it’s time to protest. Wear the sky blue in defiance in the treacherous move to wear a Victorian jersey in Adelaide,” Voss said on SEN Radio.

NSW great and assistant selector Greg Alexander disagreed, likening the alternate jersey to one worn by a victorious Blues side in Perth four years ago.

“The jersey we wore in Perth in 2019 has been one of the most popular jerseys we have worn with fans and this one is very similar,” Alexander said.

“Sometimes people just want to be outraged about everything, anything and everything.”

Tom Trbojevic models this year's NSW Origin jersey, which is navy blue. Picture: NRL Photos

The navy blue jersey has caused ‘outrage’ in some parts. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“Its not an issue with me and I’m sure it’s not an issue with any of the players and the fans that like the blue jersey back in 2019. I’m sure they will like it again.”

An SEN Radio poll revealed lopsided support for the sky blue.

Recalled Blues star Tyson Frizell said it is all about the emblem on the jersey.

“It’s still a blue colour. At the end of the day it’s all about the badge on the front and it’s a NSW badge so we wear it with pride either way,” he said.

The Blues wore a similar jersey in 2019 in Perth. Picture: AAP

“People are going to have their opinions about what it should look like, but there are probably another 100,000 people that do love it.

Frizell was a part of the 2019 and 2020 team that has worn the alternate jerseys and knows results have gone both ways.

“We have worn it in the past and have had success in the past, but we have also had games where we have not won,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to be the reason why we perform or not.”

Originally published as State of Origin 2023: NSW Blues defend move away from sky blue jersey to navy blue