NSW makes dramatic change to jersey for State of Origin after Blues copped backlash for controversial kit in 2023

New South Wales has decided to abandon its navy blue jersey for this year's State of Origin, according to reports.

The Blues courted controversy in 2023 after wearing a dark blue strip for Game One, with fans accusing NSWRL of abandoning tradition in pursuit of profits.

However, News Corp reports that sluggish sales of the navy blue strip were reported, with fans unwilling to buy two strips.

As a result, the Blues have dumped the kit in favour of their traditional sky blue number.  

But Nathan Cleary seemingly won't be donning the strip for this year's series, with a hamstring injury ruling him out for at least eight weeks. 

The champion Penrith playmaker re-injured his right hamstring in Penrith's 16-10 win over Canterbury on Friday night in a devastating blow for the Blues, who have a number of key players sidelined through injury.

Cleary left the field just before half-time after hurting the hamstring for a second time is as many months, with the Panthers issuing a statement on Sunday confirming the diagnosis.

'Scans revealed a grade 2 hamstring tear which will see Cleary ruled out for eight weeks,' the club said in a statement.

It means Cleary is set to miss Origin I at Accor Stadium in Sydney on June 5 and the second game at the MCG on June 26 while he's no certainty to be available for game three in Brisbane on July 17.