If you ever needed proof that Ballina backs New South Wales when it comes to State of Origin, you could say the proof is in the pie.

Origin fever is in full swing, and a quirky contest at Ballina’s Beefy’s Pie Shop has revealed a powerful display of state loyalty — through steak pies.

To mark the Origin season, the store is selling jumbo pies stamped with either QLD or NSW branding.

A dollar from each pie goes to children’s charity Give Me 5, and in Ballina, there’s no real contest.

“NSW pies are outselling the Queensland ones nine to one,” said Adrian Coburn, assistant manager at the Ballina store.

“It’s a pretty clear sign of which side Ballina’s backing — we barely keep any Maroons pies in stock,” he jibes.

Even though the pies — both QLD and NSW-branded — are made with the same beef and the same award-winning pastry, locals have no hesitation showing their stripes.

Queensland-born local Kerry-Anne Manning was one of the rare Maroons fans found at the River St outlet on Origin eve.

“I reckon Queensland will bounce back in game two — definitely,” she said. “That first one was just to give NSW something to cheer about.”

Still, she admits being outnumbered. “There’s not many of us here,” she laughed.

Last year Beefy’s State of Origin pie promotion raised $25,000 for the children’s hospital charity – a target it hopes to beat this year.

And if the Blues can match the form of the NSW-branded pie sales in Ballina, they’ll surely have the series in the bag.

PICTURE: Blues supporter Adrian and Maroon-blooded Kerry-Anne agree the pies are delicious, but disagree on which side will win Origin Game 2.