State of Origin players risk being fined $7500 for the most serious offences of foul play during this year’s series as they face some of the biggest financial penalties for on-field indiscretions in the code’s history.

Just days after the NRL announced it would increase the scope of fines for representative matches to keep players on the park for their clubs, the Herald has been told the gravest offences mean NSW and Queensland stars could be stung half of their match fee for a second offence.

A player convicted of a second offence for grade-two striking, a dangerous throw, crusher tackle or shoulder charge will be out of pocket for half of their $15,000 per game bonus.

The NRL has not publicly released the new judiciary code for representative matches, which will mean all 36 players who potentially enter the field for Wednesday night’s series opener in Sydney will have a clean slate. But the new criteria was sent to clubs last week.

Each player’s prior record will be reset every 12 months for Test, Origin and All-Stars matches.

The decision has been welcomed by clubs who have long argued they had to carry the consequences when one of their stars was banned from misdemeanours in representative games, with the NRL arguing it still has tough sanctions punished by suspensions for the most serious acts of foul play.

The NRL also claims fans will be the big winners as their club’s best players will theoretically be on the field more often in the subsequent Origin and Test matches.

But the game’s biggest stars could be out of pocket more than ever before if they cross the line playing for their state or country for the rest of this year.