So, too, are staff at the Scone and Singleton supermarkets in the franchise.

But, they’re not down in the dumps; they are donning their best Blues fancy dress to raise awareness for children’s hospitals and encourage shoppers to support the cause ahead of the first State of Origin match.

While Coles supermarkets in NSW and Queensland are taking the competition off the field and into the aisles, it’s the beneficiaries that will come out on top.

Across both states, 405 outlets will scramble to sell raffle tickets for the annual Cheer for the Kids campaign, supporting Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.

To support the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation and contribute to Coles NSW’s tally, shoppers can purchase a raffle ticket at their local supermarket at Muswellbrook, Scone and Singleton until Tuesday, June 21.

Each raffle ticket purchased is entered into the draw to win a Blues supporter Holden Cruze, thanks to Cheer for the Kids partners Holden and Coca-Cola Amatil.

All proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will go towards the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

NSW general manager Thinus Keeve said Coles was delighted to support the Sydney Children’s Hospital again to ensure the hospital can continue the fantastic work it does in supporting children in need.

“This cause is close to the hearts of our customers and team members – many of whom have children of their own – so we are very proud to raise money for Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation to support sick kids and their families,” he said.

“We want to raise the bar this year.

“Our NSW team members are going above and beyond in their fundraising efforts for the hospital and we are looking forward to exceeding last year’s total funds raised, which was more than $100,000.”