The Queensland Maroons and Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons will – for the first time ever – don the same captain’s run jersey during the 2021 State of Origin series.
The captain’s run jersey, the first with new apparel partner Puma, is a modern nod to “everything Queensland”.
Queensland Rugby League senior brand and marketing manager Jessica Walker said it was a proud moment.
"For the very first time in QRL history the Queensland Maroons and Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons will wear identical captain's run jersey designs with the new unified branding in pride of place," Walker said.
"It’s a symbolic moment and a proud moment for the QRL as we celebrate our male and female players who are representing their state at the highest level in one of the greatest rivalries in Australian sport."
QRL creative and design lead Callan Jones said last year’s design focused on celebrating 40 years of the Maroons, so had historic significance, but this year was “the start of a new chapter for our teams, so we wanted the jersey to reflect that".
“Coming off last year's 40 years, we wanted to put a modern twist on things,” Jones said.
“This year's jersey shakes things up a little bit… it's a modern, abstract take on a classic shape. The shape of our state, Queensland. The design is reflective of the players that we have in the team, given we've got a new bunch of guys coming through after having 14 debut last year, and it's a nod to the young talent coming through the women's as well.
“It also reflects our new partnership with Puma… their vibe. We had a little bit of fun with the captain's run jersey design, but we wanted to make sure it still meant something to Queenslanders.”
Jones said he was looking forward to seeing both Maroons teams run out wearing the design. He said it was “very rewarding” both would wear the same design.
“The dividing line of the white area is the coastline of Queensland, in an abstract form. The tip of the state then blends into the maroon area. We've used different tones of maroon inside the shape of the state to separate it out from the rest of the jersey. The triangles are a nod to the shape of 'Queensland' as well, just in a more abstract sense.
“It's a nod to the state. It's saying to the team, everything you do is for the state, for Queenslanders.”
Jones added this year was more special than others for him as the jerseys also included the new logo, which had been designed internally by his team.
Visit maroonsshop.com to purchase the official Queensland Maroons range including the captain's run jersey.