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Manly Sea Eagles will wear the new kit on Thursday.

Seven Australian rugby league players boycott Pride jersey

The Sydney-based Sea Eagles will don the rainbow-themed uniforms for a crucial match against the Sydney Roosters on Thursday.

LAST UPDATE | 26 Jul 2022

SEVEN PLAYERS FROM Australian rugby league side Manly Sea Eagles will not play this week after refusing to wear the club’s one-off Pride jersey due to “cultural and religious” beliefs, the club’s coach revealed Tuesday.

The Sydney-based Sea Eagles will don the rainbow-themed uniforms for a crucial match against the Sydney Roosters on Thursday, a move unveiled earlier this week to promote inclusivity and respect.

It is the first time a club in the National Rugby League has had a Pride jersey, which shows support for the LGBTQ community.

But Manly coach Des Hasler apologised for the decision, saying it was a “significant mistake” for the club not to consult with players.

“None of the coaching staff nor the players had prior knowledge of the jersey. They are not wearing the jersey as it conflicts with their cultural and religious beliefs,” Hasler told a press conference.

Captain Daly Cherry-Evans said he would proudly wear the jersey on Thursday night, and the kit has already sold out on the club’s shop.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys told reporters that he respected the players’ position, but that Manly could have “handled it better”.

“I think that they showed some great leadership in supporting their players and that’s what we should do. But at the same time, recognise that sport is inclusive and is for everybody,” V’landys said.

Similar initiatives have been part of some Australian rules football teams for several years, such as the Sydney Swans and St Kilda, who played a Pride Game in June.

However, earlier this year, Haneen Zreika of the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL women’s side, opted to not play in the competition’s Pride round citing her faith.

“I certainly hope this is resolved,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday.

“It’s a good thing that sport is more inclusive … It’s important in Australian society that we respect everyone for who they are.”

– © AFP 2022 

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    Mute John Ó'Ríordán
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    Sep 17th 2011, 9:05 AM

    04:06 here in Canada. Come on Ireland!

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    Mute j.g.
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    Sep 17th 2011, 9:20 AM

    Silly Mask

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    Mute Burnt Toast
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    Sep 17th 2011, 12:25 PM

    I like your mask

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    Mute Helen Lynch
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    Sep 17th 2011, 11:26 AM

    Just watched the whole thing in mute on a tiny screen in work and it was still fucking FANTASTIC

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    Mute Eoin Fogarty
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    Sep 17th 2011, 10:38 AM

    18.40 in tokyo , cmon Ireland

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    Mute Cork_Granny
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    Sep 17th 2011, 11:54 AM

    fantastic match and result….

    red arrow all you like but do WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH GEORGE HOOK???????? god i can’t STAND that man. Talk about loving your own opinion…………. .. ok rant over LOL

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    Mute Martin De Milesian
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    Sep 17th 2011, 10:24 AM

    Kingston, Jamaica calling! It’s 4.23 here…COME ON IRELAND!

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    Mute Ando Winters
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    Sep 17th 2011, 11:26 AM

    well done to all involved

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    Mute briain
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    Sep 17th 2011, 11:26 AM

    The best 4AM start EVER :) Lets start from here!!

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    Mute Alice ORiordan
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    Sep 17th 2011, 9:50 AM

    Come on Ireland keep at it ..you can do this …Is Donal Lenihan the most mournful commentator you have ever heard..he is depressing me…Optimist Donal ..think positive ..you are upsetting me I have had to change channels …..
    Score for Ireland YES

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    Mute Alice ORiordan
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    Sep 17th 2011, 9:53 AM

    Drop goal for Sexton …imagine what OGara could do were he on the field!
    (Would you guess I am an OGara fan)

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    Mute Richard McNally 
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    Sep 17th 2011, 2:34 PM

    George Hook is an awful tool!

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    Mute Alex McDwyer
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    Sep 17th 2011, 12:04 PM

    Match commentary and panel much better on ITV can’t stick RTE any more

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    Mute Alex McDwyer
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    Sep 17th 2011, 11:16 AM

    wooooooooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

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    Mute stephen corrigan
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    Sep 17th 2011, 1:04 PM

    God it could have been a real hammering if sexton got his game together, but at least we won Well done lads!!

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    Mute Aydo
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    Sep 17th 2011, 11:17 AM

    Whoop whoop whoop!!!!

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    Mute Alex McDwyer
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    Sep 17th 2011, 10:03 AM

    Ireland keeping Aus in the game with stupid penalties

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    Mute Donal Rafferty
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    Sep 17th 2011, 10:11 AM

    And by leaving Sexton on the pitch

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    Mute Alex McDwyer
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    Sep 17th 2011, 10:23 AM

    As much as it pains me to say it we need Sexton’s defense

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    Mute Craig Walters
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    Sep 17th 2011, 10:40 AM

    Orsome !!!!!!!!!!

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    Mute RG Cuan
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    Sep 17th 2011, 9:17 AM

    Ã

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    Mute Mary Mahoney
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    Sep 21st 2011, 10:26 PM

    Great reports. Really enjoying them

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    Mute Keith Rogers
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    Sep 17th 2011, 10:48 AM

    "Neil and the lads …" – You’re dead to us!

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    Mute Desmond Tobin
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    Sep 20th 2011, 10:37 PM

    Rugby is a game of Inches, Clawing there way back to regain there lost respect from recent times, The squad representing these Four Proud Provinces, Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, throw Caution to the four winds Like the Four provinces, With every try we shall Rise like a swell in the Ocian to give strength to our brothers as they clash with the world. PS! Ask Hook what country dose he come from.

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