This article was published on April 1st.

The Queensland Maroons will, for the first time, wear an alternate jersey for this year’s State of Origin clash against New South Wales in Perth, Queensland Rugby League has revealed.

The Blues will also don an alternate skin-tight jersey, which coach Brad Fittler unveiled late last year, for Game II at Optus Stadium on June 23.

The new Blues strip is predominantly navy, with sky blue chevrons on the front and on the sleeves.

Queensland Rugby League chief operating officer Rohan Sawyer said given the Blues had adopted a darker coloured jersey for the game in Perth, Queensland had the opportunity to pay homage to the landscape that made Queensland so special.

“Being the Sunshine State, nothing says beautiful Queensland like our crystal blue waters and sunny blue skies… light blue just made sense to us." Rohan Sawyer QRL chief operating officer

The Maroons’ alternate jersey, designed by ISC, incorporates the four-stripe detail inspired by the classic 1991 Maroons jersey.

Sawyer admitted the decision to mix things up this year may be controversial, but he was confident players and fans would embrace the change.

“How good would it be to beat the Blues, wearing blue?” Sawyer said.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters said the team was determined to get the trophy back after the Blues claimed victory in 2018.

Walters said it would be “fantastic” to see the Maroons win wearing blue.

The team will go into camp in Perth on Monday, June 17.

The jerseys are now available at the Maroons Shop online.

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Update: April Fools! There's no alternate for Maroon.