A Maroons Fan's Guide to Retro Queensland Origin Jerseys (1980–2006)

If you grew up watching State of Origin, you remember the jerseys before you remember the scorelines. The maroon. The white V on the chest. The simple block lettering that didn’t need a sponsor splashed across it to mean something.

At Peter Wynn’s Score we’ve stocked retro Maroons jerseys for as long as Origin’s been played. Here’s a guide to five iconic eras every Queenslander supporter should know — and the actual retro and heritage jerseys we carry from each.

1980 — The foundation jersey

Before 1980, Queensland players representing their state did so in NSW colours if they’d moved south for club football. State of Origin changed that. The 1980 Maroons jersey is the one that started it all — clean maroon body, white collar, white sleeve cuffs, no sponsor, no fuss.

If you want a piece of that history on your wall or your back, the 1980 Queensland Maroons Retro Jersey is the licensed reproduction that gets the design right.

1991 — The Lewis era classics

By the early 1990s, Origin had become the showpiece of the rugby league calendar. The 1991 Maroons jersey carried the white V on the chest that defined that era — a design Queenslanders associate with hard, physical Origin football.

The 1991 Queensland Maroons State of Origin Retro Jersey is the heritage piece for fans of that era. It’s the jersey you wear to Origin night with people who remember games on Channel Nine before NRL.com existed.

1995 — Old-school maroon

The 1995 Maroons jersey kept things classic. Bold maroon with white panels — a no-nonsense design from a no-nonsense era of Origin. By the mid-90s, the rivalry had matured into the annual three-game battle Australians plan their winters around.

The 1995 retro reproduction has sold through current stock. Check our retro NRL jerseys collection for the next Maroons heritage drop, or get in touch and we’ll let you know when it’s back.

1996 — Heritage piece

1996 was a watershed year for rugby league with the Super League war reshaping the competition. Through all of it, Origin held firm. The 1996 Maroons jersey is a clean, instantly recognisable Queensland piece.

The 1996 QLD Maroons Heritage Jersey is the heritage release we carry — sized for adult collectors, perfect for framing or wearing to Origin events.

2006 — Before the dynasty

2006 sits right on the edge of one of the most dominant eras in Origin history. The Maroons jerseys from this period have become collector’s items — partly because of what came after, but mostly because the design holds up. Maroon body, white side panels, classic block numbering.

The 2006 QLD Maroons Retro Jersey is the one to grab if you want a more modern retro piece without going right up to current-season.

How to spot a real retro Maroons jersey

Retro and heritage jerseys are licensed reproductions of the original design, made in current materials. The tells:

• Licensing tag — official NRL or QRL licensing on the inside neck label
• Stitched club crest on the chest, not a printed transfer
• Era-accurate design details — collar style, sleeve cuffs, V-shape, font
• Listed by year + design name, not a generic "vintage Maroons" SKU

If you’re buying online, look for retailers who can show you a real product image (front and back), name the year, and list the manufacturer. We carry every Maroons retro and heritage piece named above in-store at Parramatta and online.

Custom name and number on a retro Maroons jersey?

Most of our retro Maroons jerseys are kept blank-back — that’s how the originals were worn in the early years, and how most collectors prefer them. If you want a particular player’s name from the era, we can do that in-store at our Parramatta workshop. See how custom NRL jersey printing works.

For current-season jerseys, every 2026 QLD Maroons jersey we stock can be personalised with your name and number — printed in-store at our Parramatta workshop. Browse the full 2026 Origin range.

Related Origin guides

• How to Order a Custom NRL Jersey with Your Name and Number
• Your 2026 State of Origin Game 1 Watch-Party Kit
• Iconic State of Origin Jersey Numbers — and How to Get One on Your 2026 Jersey

Visit our Parramatta store

The best way to buy a retro jersey is to see it in person. The fit, the materials, the weight of the fabric — none of it comes through in a product photo. Drop into 83 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 to see our retro Maroons collection in person.

Mon–Fri 10am–5pm · Sat 10am–4pm · Sun 11am–3pm · +61 2 9891 2655

Peter Wynn’s Score is a licensed NRL retailer. Australian owned and bred · family-owned since 1988 · Sydney store + online.