A couple of days ago the New South Wales Rugby League announced that they would be wearing an alternative playing strip for one of the games in 2019 series.
The stated reasons for doing so vary from adding excitement to the series to promoting the game. I hope people realise that this is untrue. The new jersey is nothing but a cash grab pure and simple.
Rugby league is a game built on passion. A part of this passion is generated from the tribalism that emanates from the contest of a physically demanding sport that leaves the viewer in no doubt about the character of the players and the teams competing. Fans support their teams through thick and thin and wear their colours with pride.
However, what happens if the team you support starts to change colours? Do you lose a sense of that tribalism?
The traditional NSW jersey.
I understand that in club land a team changes jersey designs every two years, which I think is too often. Furthermore, some teams add and change colours depending on the owners. The Warriors are a prime example of this, and the Penrith Panthers to a lesser extent have changed colours since their inception.
However, if South Sydney ever changed from the cardinal and myrtle to a red, white and blue, then I would quickly turn in my membership. I know the modern world of business dictates that there is money to be made from merchandise and clubs are always chasing coin, but really is anything sacred?
The NSW team has run out in the sky blue since its inception. I know that there have been variances to this over the years. I know in 1997 during the Super League conflict the NSW team had a predominantly dark blue jersey.
It was rightfully ridiculed and when the game unified again the sky blue returned. Moreover, I know that over the past number of years the sky blue although dominant has had variations in design.
Ultimately, I noted these changes to my friends every season and tolerated these modifications for the reason that the sky blue was still dominant. Maybe I am a traditionalist out of touch with the modern way of things. Perhaps I need to take a chill pill and relax as it is only for one game. Both no doubt are right.
Though, what happens if we get to the point where every game has a different jersey design? What happens if the colours change? Is it possible that there could be changes over time that dilute the passion that is held for the contest?
It seems the passion for the straightforward sky blue is gone. If it weren’t, they wouldn’t make the changes they make.
I don’t know – I liked the idea that the sky blue that my grandfather and father wear in support and that my brother and I also wear in support would be worn in support by the following generation. This sense of tradition adds to the tribalism and passion of the game. I just think there is a beauty in that.
Boz
Guest
Yeah, that's what I'm dreading as well.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
The 1997 jersey I'm talking about is the ARL State of Origin jersey, not the super league tri-series jersey which was only sky blue. As it was mentioned, because super league was in 1997 has no relevance, and is a "silly argument", because it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact the 40 years of state of origin tradition already includes jersey that is mostly navy blue. So the outrage is what is unnecessary. I also think they will sell well, despite a few opinions on here who think otherwise because are based on emotion only.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Well this one screams tradition https://savvysupporter.com.au/australian-kangaroos-nrl-australia-day-jersey.html
Mick Jeffrey
Roar Rookie
Fittler's reasoning has nothing to do with colour and more with manufacture and fabric used, which can be done with any colour.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Actually in 1997, the NSW Super League team played in a tri-series involving New Zealand, not State of Origin. The games played in that series are not recognised as Origin matches. So whatever jersey the Super League representative side wore, bears no relevance to the Origin jersey. Don't get me wrong, I don't really care for Origin, so care very little that they are changing the jersey for one game and can see both sides of the argument over whether they should or shouldn't. But just clarifying some of the errors in some "silly arguments"...
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
Hmm... I have to agree with Ethan Z. Super League or not, the NSW jersey was three-quarters navy blue and State of Origin is State of Origin whether it was the Super League year or not. 1995 didn't include Super League players and its regarded as one of the most memorable series of all time so by dismissing the 1997 jersey counter argument because it was the "Super League" year only cheapens your own silly argument because State of Origin was ARL. And believe me, plenty of businesses like your local corner store or bakery may get in trouble in regards to how they went about making money, but the NRL and NSWRL will not.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
The biggest issue I have with it is that nobody has seemed to consider that they will be playing against a team wearing a dark coloured jersey albeit maroon but from a distance there will be very little contrast between the teams. Add that to the fact they are playing on foreign soil in front of a crowd who may need all the help they can get to work out whats happening. I hope QLD do come up with an alternative strip hopefully a white one so we can see who is playing for who
Emcie
Roar Guru
You know, there's a reason people never refer back to the super league war when trying to justify something...
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
1997 jersey. So it's been done before during those 40 years of "tradition".
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
It's 1 game and sky blue is still part of the design. Did you see the 1997 design? So it's not like it hasn't been done before during those 40 years... so, please.
Old mate bigJ
Roar Rookie
There do-gooding as you say Ethan and there protesting when a body is trying to stamp out 40 years of tradition just for a quick buck
Old mate bigJ
Roar Rookie
If you read my last line as it saids the nrl has to make revenue somehow you would know that there nothing wrong with the nrl making money it’s tje questionable way that they have gone about it in this particular instance. Just another jersey to add to the pile that is completely unnecessary
catcat
Roar Rookie
Hi Mark, agree with what you are saying but I gave up on the idea of sustaining traditional jerseys a while ago...maybe it happened when they plastered VB across the NSW jersey (Victoria Bitter??) or that year they put your name on it if you drank enough VB. I love my sky blue tooheys blue jersey from circa 1990 all cotton and rugby looking....its the best.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Come on mate, plenty of sporting bodies are able to make money without throwing 40 years of tradition out the window, and plenty of businesses have got in trouble or lost customers for how they went about making money.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
Ever been to a game before? If you have, notice how many have paid 150 for a jersey?
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
Yes because the state of New South Wales is going to boycott their origin team because of their jersey went from sky blue to navy blue for 1 game.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
Adam Hayward exactly. It's hilarious how people think the game, as you said is indeed a business, trying to make money is the most evil, most unjust despicable thing they could do! I mean... come on. Enough with the do-gooder outrage!
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
What is so bad about business making money? If clubs don't make money, there's no club. If the NRL don't make money, there's no game.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
I thought the 2003 and 2004 jersey were great! Not as tight as the ones they're making now but the color was spot on! Sky Blue! I think Wizard Home Loans was the official sponsor then.
Old mate bigJ
Roar Rookie
THe nsw jersey change is completely unnecessary