You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content

Maroons star Matt Gillett is encouraging animal lovers to get on board and help Queensland maintain their dominance in the RSPCA’s annual State of Adoption challenge.

Gillett – who was this year named an RSPCA ambassador – is urging pet-loving Maroons fans to help Queensland win an historic eighth State of Adoption series in a row.

The aim of State of Adoption is for each state to re-home as many animals as possible from the start of State of Origin Game I on June 1 to Game III on July 13.

“I always had dogs growing up,” Matt said. “In my family, we had a Jack Russell and Maltese cross Shih Tzu. I now own two Huskies who can be a challenge to walk sometimes.

“I love all animals though, which is why I wanted to be an RSPCA Queensland ambassador.”

The Queensland Rugby League are right behind the cause and have donated more than 150 18th Man Maroon Bestie Pet memberships to the RSPCA to give away to the lucky owners of the newly adopted pets. 

The pet membership features a Maroons engravable pet tag, a Maroons pet lead and a Maroons pet collar.

18th Man Memberships: The best way to secure your seats for Origin Game II

RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said that despite Queensland’s strong record, the state was starting on the back foot in this year’s contest.

“We will start as the underdogs, if you’ll pardon the pun, because Queensland has nine shelters, while NSW has 12.

“But Queenslanders are used to that tag and it just stirs us on.

“Once they’ve seen the fantastic animals we have up for adoption, we know they’ll find their perfect match and for us the perfect match is Queensland winning by a cat’s whisker!”

Take home a champion and support your state – find out more about the RSPCA’s State of Adoption here

Acknowledgement of Country

Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Platinum Partners

View All Partners