- New South Wales ditched its controversial navy stripe
- Blues fans criticize NSWRL for abandoning tradition
- Reports suggest the navy uniform will not be worn this year
New South Wales have reportedly decided to ditch their navy jersey for this year’s State of Origin.
The Blues sparked controversy in 2023 after wearing a dark blue strip for the first game, with fans accusing the NSWRL of abandoning tradition in pursuit of profit.
However, news corporation reports that slow sales of the navy stripe were reported, with fans unwilling to purchase two strips.
As a result, the Blues have ditched the uniform in favor of their traditional sky blue number.
But Nathan Cleary apparently won’t pull on the jersey for this year’s series as a hamstring injury will rule him out for at least eight weeks.
New South Wales ditched controversial State of Origin navy stripe
Fans were left furious after New South Wales abandoned tradition during the first game last year.
Champion Penrith playmaker re-injured his right hamstring in Penrith’s 16-10 win over Canterbury on Friday night in a devastating blow for the Blues, who have several key players sidelined through injury .
Cleary left the field just before halftime after injuring his hamstring for the second time as many months ago, and the Panthers issued a statement Sunday confirming the diagnosis.
“Scans revealed a grade 2 hamstring tear that will rule Cleary out for eight weeks,” the club said in a statement.
It means Cleary will miss Origin I at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on June 5 and the second match at the MCG on June 26, while there is no certainty he will be available for the third match in Brisbane on July 17.
