The Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues will hit the ground running for the 2020 Holden State of Origin series with a new range of jerseys which reflect the team’s core values and major partner Brydens Lawyers extending their partnership to 2023.
The 2020 Origin series will be a big occasion with the concept celebrating 40 years and Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues hooker Damien Cook and teammates Paul Vaughan and Cameron Murray modelled the new range of jerseys at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence today (19 November).
As well as a traditional sky blue jersey which the team will wear for Game Two in Sydney on 21 June and Game Three in Brisbane on 8 July, the team will also wear an alternate jersey for Game One in Adelaide on 3 June, while a captain’s jersey will also be available.
The decision to offer an alternate jersey followed the success of the 2019 navy blue alternate jersey worn in Perth. The jersey acknowledges the first year Canterbury partnered with the NSWRL in 1997.
The captain’s jersey includes a picture of a Blue Heeler, an Australian-bred dog which espouses the values the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues are built on.
The launch also included a video narrated by NSW’s most successful-ever coach, Phil Gould, which showcases areas from both the country and the city to reflect that the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues truly belong to the state and the fans.
“The alternate playing strip was such a great moment in time for NSW,” NSWRL Head of Commercial and Digital Jodie Cross said.
“It was a bold and innovative move, which is something we pride ourselves on at NSWRL, and the jersey sold out which is a fantastic result.
“Origin will celebrate 40 years in 2020 and to acknowledge that we’re going to use the 1997 jersey as our alternate strip for Adelaide to recognise the first year the NSWRL partnered with Canterbury.
“I’m also extremely proud of our captain’s jersey for 2020 featuring the Blue Heeler, which reflects the values of the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues including mateship, loyalty, work ethic and discipline.”
Canterbury Sports Marketing Manager Nathan Russell added: “As Origin celebrates 40 years in 2020, Canterbury is proud to continue its partnership with the Blues.
“In particular, we are proud to celebrate our Origin history with NSWRL, bringing back to life the first jersey Canterbury designed for the Blues in 1997.”
True Blue Trent Barrett, who was part of the NSW team that won the State of Origin series 2-1 in 1997, said he was happy to see history acknowledged and the Blues values represented.
“It’s great to see the NSWRL bring back an iconic winning jersey to celebrate 40 years of Origin,” Barrett said.
“I think the jumper looks great.”
Brydens Lawyers have been the naming rights sponsor of the Blues since 2018 and their new deal will see them maintain their position on the front of the jersey until the end of the 2023 series.
“It is with unabated excitement and immense pride that I confirm the continuing partnership of Brydens Lawyers with the NSWRL as the naming rights sponsor of the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues up to and including the 2023 State of Origin series,” Principal of Brydens Lawyers, Lee Hagipantelis, said.
“The sponsorship of the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues has proven enormously rewarding both professionally and personally.
“It is a genuine partnership founded on shared ideals and principles underscored by a commitment to excellence by both organisations.
“It affirms the investment that Brydens Lawyers has made in the game of Rugby League in New South Wales, from the grassroots level through to the pinnacle of the game with the NSW Blues.
“We are humbled to join with the NSWRL in the sponsorship of the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues and very much look forward to sharing in their continuing success.”
Cross added: “I’m thrilled that Brydens Lawyers have extended their association with the NSW team.
“They were involved with our pathways before becoming our major partner in 2018.
“Their ongoing support has allowed our coaching staff and team to focus on preparation and performance and the results for the past two years speak for themselves.”
