Training jersey says Maroons are 'a well-oiled machine'

Queensland Maroons fans Josh McKee and Matthew Joyce were over the moon to see the squad don the training jersey they designed. 

The duo entered Queensland Rugby League's jersey design competition, presented by Auswide Bank, and their design was picked from many entries as the winner. 

McKee, who went to Villanova College with Maroons star Christian Welch, said the concept was to make the players "look like a machine". 

"A well-oiled machine... which is what we know the Maroons have become over the last 15 years... well-drilled, machine-like and they don't put a foot wrong," McKee said. 

"So that's the core of the kit, then we have a plate of armoury on the sleeves... almost like a 'band of brothers' type of style."

Joyce added it was like "a suit of armour". 

"It's very machine-like, especially in the slate grey... very sharp-looking, very nice," Joyce said. 

McKee said it was phenomenal to "join forces with a massive organisation such as the QRL and the Maroons". 

"To be able to take a pretty amazing concept from a screen onto fabric and now to see it on the boys... it's a huge honour," McKee said.

"It's great seeing a mock up, but seeing it in real life... to see it on NRL superstars, Australian representatives and Queensland representatives, it just takes it to another level. It's a massive privilege. 

"Being a Villanova old boy, seeing Christian Welch wear it is the biggest thing because Christian and I were in the same grade at school. Seeing him make it into the NRL and now the Maroons, and seeing him wearing something we designed, is a pretty cool thing."

Joyce, a graphic designer, echoed these sentiments. 

"It's very cool... these guys are superstars at their respective clubs, but when they get to Origin level, they turn it up a notch. To see them out on the pitch, wearing something we designed, is special," Joyce said, adding he was stoked to see Dane Gagai donning the jersey.

"Dane Gagai... he's an Origin superstar when it comes to playing for Queensland, so seeing him out there wearing the jersey is pretty cool," Joyce said. 

"We're very lucky... go Queensland."

Welch said he was impressed with the training jersey and the concept behind it. 

"I think it's fantastic," Welch said.

"It captures the essence of Queensland Origin."