On Thursday night, the Maroons will enter the State of Origin arena sporting a unique jersey design that celebrates their personal connections to local communities. In a meaningful departure from tradition, XXXX, the team’s long-standing sponsor, will not feature its logo on the jerseys for the 2025 series. Instead, each player’s jersey will proudly display their respective postcode, emphasising their roots and the places that shaped them.
This initiative aims to honour the diverse communities from which the athletes hail. A total of 20 different postcodes will adorn the jerseys, reinforcing the message that while they represent Queensland, they also embody their local areas. Shenae Ciesiolka, a veteran of the Maroons with eight appearances since her debut in 2020, will wear ‘4401’, the postcode reflecting her hometown of Oakey. For Ciesiolka, this is a deeply personal honour. She expressed her pride in representing her local community: “Running out for Queensland with my hometown on my sleeve is something really special.”
Her sentiment echoes the experiences of many players. “It’s more than just a postcode; Oakey is where it all began for me, filled with early mornings, muddy boots, and unwavering local support,” Ciesiolka reflected. The significance of having ‘4401’ on her jersey serves as a proud reminder of the people and places that have supported her throughout her career.
The 2025 Women’s State of Origin series will also be the first instance of this initiative in women’s rugby, following its implementation for the men’s team since 2022. Tamika Upton, who will showcase the postcode ‘Blackwater’, shared her thoughts on the initiative, articulating the pride that comes from representing her hometown. “I know for a fact they will all be cheering me on from their TVs,” she remarked, highlighting the communal spirit of support.
The opening match of the Women’s State of Origin series is set to take place at Suncorp Stadium at 7.45 pm AEST, with coverage commencing at 7.30 pm on Nine and 9Now. This innovative approach to jersey design not only strengthens the connection between players and their localities but also enhances the overall meaning of representing Queensland on a national stage.