For 45 years, rugby league legend Wally Lewis believed his iconic maroon jersey from the first-ever State of Origin match was lost to time. But in a twist worthy of Origin folklore, the treasured item resurfaced, just in time to inspire Queensland.
When the Maroons took on New South Wales in Sydney to claim the 2025 Origin series, the jersey, once worn by “The King” himself, was the final image the current Queensland squad saw before taking the field. It was a powerful reminder of legacy, pride, and the enduring spirit of Origin.
The rediscovery came during a painstaking search through a storage unit, where Wally and his wife Lynda had spent hours sorting through bags and boxes, nearly giving up hope. Then, tucked inside a cardboard box labelled ‘rent-a-clothes’, they found it: the original jersey, safely sealed in a zip-locked bag. The moment moved them deeply, with the couple overcome by emotion.
Photo credit: Wally Lewis Official/Instagram
Rather than risk losing it again, the couple decided to carry the jersey with them by hand, keeping it close every step of the journey to Sydney.
Straight from storage and still bearing the wear of history, the jersey featured in a guard of honour during the Wednesday night match. Lewis stood alongside 16 other players from that first Origin clash in 1980, a powerful tribute to the game’s roots.
Lewis, who has long been considering donating his personal memorabilia collection, saw that moment as part of a larger gesture—sharing his story and the state’s sporting heritage with the fans. Suncorp Stadium had already expressed interest in displaying some of the pieces.
Adding to the emotion of the night, Lewis watched one of his favourite current players, Cameron Munster, take the field while carrying the recent loss of his father. Lewis has previously said Munster’s talent ranks among the best he’s seen, and Wednesday had proved to be a defining moment in the playmaker’s career.
From a dusty storage unit to the heart of a stadium filled with passion, Wally Lewis’ lost jersey has found its way back into Queensland’s story, right where it belongs.
XXXX Brewery tanks have unveiled a new striking look to celebrate this coming Origin Series. In a true demonstration of pride, XXXX has proudly displayed two giant 4064 postcodes, a nod to Milton, the home of the brewery.
As Queensland continues to foster an even deeper connection to the Maroons thanks to XXXX, the Queensland Rugby League’s (QRL) longest-running partner and one of the state’s most iconic brands.
For the second year running XXXX will be removing their logo from the QLD jersey’s left sleeve and replacing it with the postcode of each player’s choosing. The aim of the swap is to celebrate the contributions of the broader community in supporting the Maroons players to achieve the ultimate honour for any footy player, running out into an Origin arena with the QLD jersey on their back.
For 2023 it was an obvious evolution to expand this campaign to allow all Queenslanders to showcase their own community pride during the series. As such XXXX has launched limited edition postcode merchandise packs which include a XXXX cap, stubby holder and t-shirt that can be personalised with a fans own postcode of choice (RRP: $49.99 + $10.00 postage).
Photo Credit: Supplied
In addition, to celebrate the upcoming Origin season and as a demonstration of Queensland pride, XXXX has released a limited-edition can design that encourages all of Queensland to show their pride in their ‘origin’. The limited edition release XXXX Gold Pride in your Origin cans feature a number from 0-9 that can be used to make up Queensland’s 447 postcodes.
By collecting their code and demonstrating their pride, footy fans have an exciting opportunity to win a plethora of prizes, from Maroons ticketed memberships and 2023 Maroons jerseys to $25,000 cash, or a trip to Hamilton Island for four people with selected Queensland Maroons players and representatives.
XXXX has worked alongside current Maroon players Patrick Carrigan (4121) and Christian Welch (4152), in addition to footy legends Sam Thaiday (4815) and Darren Lockyer (4455) to recognise the important role that their local communities played in shaping their football careers.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Each player named to represent the QLD Maroons throughout the 2023 Origin series will be given the opportunity to wear the postcode of their choosing on their sleeve.
This swap comes as the iconic XXXX Brewery tanks have unveiled a new striking look to celebrate this coming Origin Series. In a true demonstration of pride, XXXX has proudly displayed 2 giant 4064 postcodes, a nod to Milton, the home of the brewery.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“We know that it takes the support of many along a player’s journey from local junior to QLD Maroon. Players last year embraced the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of their communities by proudly displaying their postcodes on their jersey,” Lion Head of Marketing – Core Beer, Chris Allan said. “Each player has a unique origin story and they are proud to wear their family name on their back and their community on their sleeve.”
“Strong communities are central to the Sunshine State, and with XXXX being a proud Queenslander, we’re thrilled that the mighty Maroons, for the second-year running, are sprinting onto the field representing all of their communities whilst also demonstrating a connection and sense of belonging to their Queensland roots.”
“Growing up in Brisbane it was my dream to represent my state in the Maroon jersey. When I step out onto the field, I’m stepping out for everyone from my hometown of Holland Park (4121) and for our loyal Queensland supporters,” Queensland Maroons lock, Patrick Carrigan notes.
“I’m pumped that this XXXX initiative has continued for its second year – Queenslanders should be extremely proud of it. These communities are close to our hearts so it’s a fitting tribute to wear them on our sleeves and celebrate the places that make this state full of pride and greatness.”
The Queensland postcodes for all Origin games are:
Player #
Player
Community
Postcode
1
Reece Walsh
Nerang
4211
2
Selwyn Cobbo
Cherbourg
4605
3
Valentine Holmes
Townsville
4810
4
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Cairns
4870
5
Murray Taulagi
Inala
4077
6
Cameron Munster
Rockhampton
4701
7
Daly Cherry-Evans
Mackay
4740
8
Thomas Fleger
Tully
4854
9
Ben Hunt
Dingo
4702
10
Lindsay Collins
Stafford
4053
11
Tom Gilbert
Moreton Bay
4017
12
David Fifita
Inala
4077
13
Patrick Carrigan
Holland Park
4121
14
Harry Grant
Yeppoon
4703
15
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Gympie
4570
16
Reuben Cotter
Sarina
4737
17
Jai Arrow
Burleigh Heads
4220
18
Tom Dearden
Mackay
4740
19
Christian Welch
Camp Hill
4152
About XXXX
Since 1878 we’ve been celebrating and championing the good life by brewing beer to be enjoyed under the hot Aussie sun. The good life is the most treasured part of the Aussie lifestyle. Whether you’re kicking back on a beach with rods in the sand enjoying the sunset, or rising with the sun to chase the early worm. In any case, it’s about getting the most out of each and every day. It’s as much a mindset as it is a lifestyle, with the right attitude and energy, any situation can be turned into the good life.
About LION
Lion is a leading beverage company headquartered in Sydney, Australia. With origins dating back more than 180 years, Lion is known for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, community, and sustainability, and recently became Australasia’s first large-scale carbon-neutral brewer. Lion is a pioneer in brewing and continues to innovate across a range of adult beverages. Its core beer portfolio includes many locally loved brands in Australia and New Zealand such as XXXX, Little Creatures, James Squire, Stone & Wood, Emerson’s, Speights and Panhead, and a growing craft beer presence in the US, having brought New Belgium and Bell’s Brewery into the fold. Lion also has an enviable portfolio of NZ wine brands, a premium fine wine business in North America, a craft spirits distribution arm in Australia in Vanguard Luxury Brands, and a shareholding in Four Pillars Gin. Lion employs close to 4,000 people across its markets.
