ALEX McKinnon, already in so many hearts, now looks set to feature on the chest of NSW Origin captain Paul Gallen.

Only 24 hours after NRL chief Dave Smith signed him to a contract “for life”, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Blues officials have begun talks to honour the injured Newcastle forward for all three games of the 2014 State of Origin series.

NRL OFFERS MCKINNON JOB FOR LIFE

News_Image_File: Alex McKinnon and girlfriend Teagan in coaches box during a Knights game.

As part of an innovative campaign to thank the State for its continued support, NSW will remove the words of major sponsor ‘Victoria Bitter’ from the front of their sky blue jerseys, replacing them for each game with the names of 17 individual fans.

It’s understood the players will also be able to chose any person they like to appear on the chest of captain Paul Gallen, with McKinnon the only name so far been mentioned.

News_Rich_Media: Alex McKinnon returned to where he belongs on Saturday and his appearance at ANZ Stadium was a much-welcomed surprise for the Newcastle Knights.Asked about the inspiring campaign, NSW coach Laurie Daley said: “It’s wonderful because these are the people we play for”.

While all sky blue jerseys will still carry the green VB logo, the phrase ‘Victoria Bitter’ will be replaced by the name of 17 lucky individuals — one on each playing strip.

“Which we think is a great idea,’’ Daley continued. “I think it’s important that this side is seen to be representing the people of NSW because this is who we play for.

News_Image_File: Blues fans will get the opportunity have their names on the jersey’s of NSW players.

“Importantly, they’re the ones who have stuck by us in recent years too. While we haven’t been winning, the support shown by our fans has been absolutely incredible. I think they understand that the players are leaving everything they’ve got on that field.

“The know we’re in this for the long haul and so are they.”

VB General Manager Richard Oppy confirmed the rugby league first would run for all three games of the series, meaning 51 fans will become part of the Blues squad.

“In 160 years we have never changed the wording on the VB logo,’’ Mr Oppy said. “But as major sponsor of the Blues, we wanted to throw everything behind them and enable fans to become part of the game.”

Originally published as McKinnon to be honoured during Origin