Queensland fans will not be able to get their famous XXXX beer at this year's State of Origin series.
Instead, they will be served VB, the traditional beer which has featured on the New South Wales jersey for years in the Origin arena.
It is much to the angst of not only Queensland fans who won't be able to consume their beer of choice, but also Queensland Rugby League executives who are in crisis following the NRL's new sponsorship deal.
The traditional beer will no longer be on tap this series with VB instead being named the "beer of origin."
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The NRL's decision comes off the back of a deal with Carlton & United Breweries with the Victorian-based organisation to feature instead as State of Origin returns to Melbourne this year.
There are reports the Queensland Rugby League will be able to smooth out their relationship with sponsor, Lion by ensuring Queensland fans will still be able to get their favourite beer.
However, it is likely to be only before and after the game with the potential to set up XXXX marquees outside Suncorp stadium.
Both the Blues and Maroons are sponsored by Lion for the upcoming series.
XXXX and the Maroons signed a four-year deal, while Tooheys reportedly forked out $10 million to replace VB as the Blues' shorts sponsor for this year's series.
Controversy is brewing over the news that our iconic XXXX beer won’t be on offer to punters at this year's State of Origin, replaced with VB. @NatJohnWallace9 #9News pic.twitter.com/lFDF7dAedL
— Nine News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) April 30, 2018
The controversial decision by the NRL will leave thousands of Queensland fans unhappy that they won't be able to drink their much loved XXXX as the Maroons again look to make it four straight series victories.
Game one kicks off at the MCG on June 6.
