To help spread the drinking in moderation message throughout the NRL State of Origin series, three of the Australia’s biggest alcohol companies, Lion, CUB and Diageo have donated free advertising during the prime time event to air the new DrinkWise NRL ad.

The advertisement features Origin legend Wally Lewis, NSW representative James Tedesco, and Parramatta Eels player Tepai Moeroa as they follow a fan who wakes up in house after a big night, surprised to find some of his idols in his house recapping memorable moments from the previous nights’ game.

The NRL State of Origin broadcast is historically one of the biggest TV sporting events of the year with more than 3.5 million viewers across Australia expected to watch each game.

The advertisement is a key component of the DrinkWise partnership with the NRL, in addition to an alcohol education program that will be completed by over 4,000 players from NRL clubs, state clubs and junior representatives. 

DrinkWise CEO Simon Strahan says the message is a simple one.

“If you are attending one of the State of Origin games or watching it on TV and you choose to have a drink, remember to do so in moderation,” he said. 

“Some of the NRL’s biggest moments have been in State of Origin games and we don’t want fans to miss these moments,” he says.

The TV advertisement will air throughout the Nine Network’s State of Origin coverage and online.