Outrage as popular beer replaced for State of Origin
For the first time in 30 years, Queensland’s iconic XXXX beer won’t be served at the State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium – a move enough to have footy fans tossing their tinnies.
Instead, the NRL has signed a deal with Victorian company Carlton United to provide this year’s beer of choice.
Come July 11, the NRL will strip XXXX from the cauldron and replace it with its latest Origin beer sponsor, offering the crowd of 50,000 a choice between Great Northern, craft beers, and ciders.
“It won’t be Victoria Bitter at the stadium for this Origin, it will be Great Northern, because we believe Queenslanders want Great Northern because it’s made right here in Queensland,” Carlton United Brewery’s Michael McKeown told 7 News.
The move has even left a bad taste in the mouths of players, including Bronco Alex Glenn.
“XXXX all the way, through and through,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a dilemma so ah if you’re looking for a cold XXXX after the game you’ll probably have to come to our sheds,” Maroons great Trevor Gillmeister said.
Opposition deputy leader and former NRL referee Tim Mander is also disappointed in the change.
“It’d be a sad day if XXXX aren’t involved in some way or another,” he told 7 News.
The NRL has revealed XXXX beer won’t be served during the State of Origin at Suncorp Stadium, with the NRL signing a new deal with Carlton United Brewery instead.
Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan even weighed in to the debate.
“Whoever makes these decisions needs to have a cold beer and think about it. I’m all for XXXX at the State of Origin,” he said.
Lion Nathan, which owns XXXX, will remain the sponsor for the Blues and Maroons, and is hoping to serve XXXX in marquees surrounding the stadium.
The move will cost tens of thousands of dollars to change kilometres of beer pipes, the kegs and the taps, at the stadium’s 50 bars.
