Identity Clash: NSWRL Forced to Ditch ‘Sky Blues’ Name After Sydney FC Legal Showdown
The NSWRL has been compelled to abandon the nickname “Sky Blues” for their women’s State of Origin team following legal threats from Sydney FC, the most successful club in A-League history. Sydney FC, who have long embraced the “Sky Blues” identity across their men’s, women’s, and youth teams, argued that the moniker is a trademarked part of their brand and cultural identity, including in chants and fan traditions.
As a result, the NSWRL has officially removed “Sky Blues” from all communications and social media related to the women’s Origin team. The change, however, comes just days before Thursday night’s Origin series opener at Suncorp Stadium, meaning this year’s jerseys and training apparel—which still bear the “Sky Blues” logo—will remain unchanged due to manufacturing deadlines from November last year.
Sydney FC first raised concerns about the shared nickname years ago, but the situation escalated legally in February. While both clubs compete in entirely different codes, Sydney FC’s insistence on protecting their intellectual property led the NSWRL to acquiesce to avoid prolonged legal conflict. In response, the women’s Origin side has been rebranded as the “NSW Blues Women,” aligning their identity with the men’s NSW Blues team and the Queensland Maroons women’s team.
Despite the off-field branding shuffle, the team remains focused on reclaiming Origin glory after suffering back-to-back series losses. Coach John Strange has ushered in a fresh era with a new 20-player squad, headlined by an untested halves pairing of Tiana Penitani and Jesse Southwell. The team also includes rising stars like rookie fullback Abbi Church and debutants Jayme Fressard, Ellie Johnston, and Jocelyn Kelleher.
The team arrived in Brisbane on Saturday and will begin training at Ballymore Oval on Monday as anticipation builds for a record crowd to kick off the Magic Round festivities.
