State of Origin may be six months away, but Brad Fittler has wasted no time adding to his eccentric ways by endorsing the rivalry's first alternative jumper.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite playing just three games each year, the NSW Rugby League on Thursday unveiled a new strip for 2019 which is predominantly navy blue.
Set to be worn for the historic game two match in Perth, the traditional chevron will be sky blue in what Fittler believes pays homage to the new venue.
An Origin match will also be played in Adelaide for the first time in 2020.
"We pride ourselves on being innovative and this will be the first time in State of Origin history that a team has used an alternate jersey," Fittler said.
"It aligns with our vision of taking a fresh new approach to the series, and the game's decision to take Origin matches to new frontiers."
Fittler led the Blues to a triumphant 2-1 series win in his first series as coach, ending a four-year drought and a run of 11 series defeats in 12 years.
And the former NSW captain did so with a left-field approach, including 13 rookies, barefoot training runs, and game-day walks from the hotel to the venues.
While this year's jersey was made with a skin-tight grip, the latest jumper includes a rear sleeve "to reduce resistance through lateral arm motion."
It is also designed with "an external stretch tape at back neck for strength and durability."
NSW will have to defend their crown when the series opens at Suncorp Stadium in June, before heading west to Optus Stadium in Perth.
"We fully support any move to grow rugby League's showpiece event to even more fans," Fittler said.
"We're confident our alternate strip will inspire a new generation of Blues supporters, and give the crowd in Perth even more reason to get behind us as we defend the shield."
Australian Associated Press
