The Blues

Profiles every player to represent New South Wales in State of Origin since 1980. The Blues tells the back stories to the 300-plus New South Welshmen who have contested the legendary State of Origin series. This is more than a rugby league book. It's a book about the children of immigrants, military personnel, farmers and factory workers. It's the story of Indigenous kids and boys from the bush who were told they were not good enough. And the story of those seemingly always destined for greatness. Best-author Alan Whiticker delves into the lives and careers of every player to pull on a sky-blue jersey and face the might of the Maroons in league's elite competition. The Blues: NSW's State of Origin Heroes is the companion title to Gelding Street Press's The Maroons by Robert Burgin.

"Alan Whiticker was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1958. Pursuing the dual careers of teacher and freelance writer, he emerged as an award-winning author of sport, history, biography and true crime. In 1997, he completed a Master's Degree in Education and lectured at the University of Western Sydney in 2008. He then worked as an author, commissioning editor and publisher. Now a fulltime writer, Alan lives in Penrith with wife Karen, with whom he has two adult children, Timothy and Melanie. A lifelong racing fan, Alan is also the author of Immortals of Australian Horse Racing: the Thoroughbreds,"