LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Former NRL great Brad Fittler was left gobsmacked by a peculiar detail he noticed in the Brisbane Broncos' jerseys during their clash with the Cowboys.
The Broncos donned a retro jersey reminiscent of the iconic diamond-patterned strip from 30 years ago, which many fans adored.
However, Fittler couldn't wrap his head around the fact that the jerseys had collars, a feature that hasn't been seen in NRL strips for years.
In a passionate rant on the 'Freddy and the Eighth' podcast, Fittler criticized the decision to add collars to the jerseys, stating that in the modern era of professional rugby league, having extra material that could be grabbed by opponents is simply ludicrous.
He suggested that the commercial department may have overstepped their boundaries in this design choice, prioritizing aesthetics over functionality.
Fittler highlighted the importance of streamlined jerseys that are difficult for opponents to grab onto, referencing the skin-tight and smaller-sized jerseys used in State of Origin matches.
Ultimately, Fittler's frustration over the collared jerseys serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of rugby league fashion and design.