Australian clothing retailer Best&Less has returned as the official fan gear supplier for the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series.
The move comes as consumer confidence is slow and spending has slowed this year, with Best&Less’ State of Origin range retailing for more than half the price of official gear sold elsewhere. An official men’s home jersey for either side at Rebel Sport is retailing for around $160.
The prices of the Best&Less Official Fan Gear are affordable. Catering for adults, as well as youth, toddler, baby apparel and accessories, with prices ranging in the mid to low double figures. Men’s shorts are only $20, the youth fleece hoodie is $30, the baby tracksuit set at $24, the unisex adult fleece hoodie is $40, and the adult beanie is selling for $16.
The range also includes toddler beanies, a training tee, and a toddler tulle ‘cheer dress’.
Best&Less chair Ray Itaoui said affordable apparel for the whole family is the very cornerstone of the fashion business. “We are proud of the Best&Less Official Fan Gear, and we know it resonates with families and fans across the country, allowing them to get into the spirit and create memories, as that is what makes life So. Much. Better.”
The apparel retailer has been the official fan gear supplier for the State of Origin games for a few years now.
Ahead of the official men’s matches later this month, Best&Less will host 15 shopping centre activations called ‘Trade Outs’ across the two states to promote the range and allow customers to see and feel it. These will take place from May 18 to May 27.
The women’s game kicked off on Thursday, April 30 last week, with four female NRL players – Millie Elliott, Shannon Mato, Kezie Apps and Rory Owen having donned the Best&Less range, two with babies in tow.
For Elliott, it was her first appearance for a photoshoot since having her first baby, a daughter named Gigi Betty Elliott.
“It's incredible that we're still supported throughout this whole time,” Elliott said. “Not so long ago, if you had a baby, you were history.”
Elliott is also a Channel 9 and Triple M commentator, podcast host of ‘Say Less’, and in 2022 won the top prize on TV show ‘SAS Australia’.
Kezie Apps, who has captained the NSW Blues for six years, said it was quite special to be part of the campaign, which included bubs from Elliott and Shannon Mato.
“You can now have a baby, step away from the game for 12 months or so, and still come back,” Apps said. “This is a credit to them and all their support network around them, and their cubs to help them get back to where they are.”
Founded over 60 years ago, Best&Less now has over 190 stores right across the country.