In what is being described as the ultimate airborne sledge, Queensland beer XXXX has taken State of Origin rivalry to new heights.

Sydneysiders woke on Monday morning to see 4m-tall XXXX Gold cans floating over Sydney Harbour, the heart of Blues territory.

Game one of the State of Origin kicks off in Sydney on Wednesday night, with the XXXX cans transporting the homeland of the Milton Brewery and Suncorp Stadium to the Sydney skyline.

The four giant XXXX GOLD cans were navigated via high-tech drone formation across the Sydney Harbour, providing a golden crown over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The custom helium-inflatable PVC cans were digitally printed to match the limited-edition XXXX GOLD Postcode packaging and featured the ‘4064’ postcode.

Lion Brand Director – Core Beer Karen Sterling-Levis said: “XXXX has always been the heartbeat of Queensland pride, and there is no more iconic representation of that than our partnership with the Queensland Maroons.

“The postcode campaign is about celebrating the sunshine state and all of the communities that make it great. By bringing postcode 4064, representing the home of XXXX and Suncorp Stadium, the home of the Maroons, directly into the heart of Sydney, we’re allowing that pride to flow over the border as the series gets underway. It’s classic Queenslander mischief to spark some friendly state versus state rivalry before the game one showdown.”

Maroons legend Sam Thaiday said: “I’ve been part of some legendary Origin rivalries, but watching four-metre XXXX cans soar over the Sydney Harbour takes the cake. It’s exactly the kind of bold, larrikin spirit that makes our state the best. It’s about letting the Blues know we’re here, we’re loud and proud.

“Seeing that 4064 postcode in the sky is enough to charge up any Queenslander to bring home the win.”

For a fifth year running, players are set to wear their own hometown postcodes on their sleeves this season to represent the local communities across Queensland that form the backbone of Maroon support.

Punters can get their hands on 375ml XXXX GOLD ‘Postcode’ 30-case cans (RRP $55) at major liquor retailers nationally, while stocks last.