Told they can't use the name...NSW FOGS. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
AS if winning five straight series isn't enough, Queensland have now arrogantly denied former NSW Origin greats the right to be called FOGS.
The Maroons' former Origin greats have registered FOGS as a company name and told their NSW counterparts to start searching for a new name or face action.
Former Blues greats were last night furious, labelling the Queensland move "petty, childish and unbelievable".
In the ultimate putdown, Queensland claim NSW would tarnish the FOGS brand name.
The NSW FOGS were moving last night to embrace "NSW Origin Legends" as their new name.
The men who banded under the NSW FOGS banner included Max Krilich, Steve Roach, Garry Jack, Wayne Pearce, Ricky Stuart, Paul Sironen, Steve Mortimer, Phil Sigsworth, Ben Elias and Tommy Raudonikis.
Queensland are fiercely protective of their FOGS brand name, which raises nearly $1 million a year.
NSW were given approval back in 1999 to use the term FOGS by Dick "Tosser" Turner, the late godfather of Queensland Rugby League. But Turner's words have now been overturned.
"It stinks. It's that pretty," screamed NSW Origin Legends CEO Krilich. "It is really childish.
"They are saying we can't use the FOGS name. They say it will damage their property and their brand.
"It's unbelievable.
"We are working hard for the community."
Roach, who played 17 games for NSW, was equally livid. "It is horribly petty," Roach said. "We thought we could work together with Queensland and help raise funds for charities. FOGS isn't all about football. Now Queensland tell us they don't want us and that we are hurting their brand. We can't be called FOGS now."
Ben Elias, who played 22 games for the Blues, added: "Queensland have blown up - typical Queensland.
"We will just establish our own identity."
Queensland FOGS executive chairman Gene Miles hit back last night, saying the Maroons were entitled to protect the name they have marketed so successfully.
"They said they were going to call themselves the Blues Legends of Origin or BLOOs," Miles said. "Everyone agreed that was a good move for both parties."
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