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.
You, Me, Everyone in League.https://t.co/csnxCYOs7h@dynasty_sport #ManlyForever pic.twitter.com/buVY5B8Vgm
— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) July 24, 2022
“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.”
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04:06 here in Canada. Come on Ireland!
Silly Mask
I like your mask
Just watched the whole thing in mute on a tiny screen in work and it was still fucking FANTASTIC
18.40 in tokyo , cmon Ireland
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
Kingston, Jamaica calling! It’s 4.23 here…COME ON IRELAND!
well done to all involved
The best 4AM start EVER :) Lets start from here!!
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
Drop goal for Sexton …imagine what OGara could do were he on the field!
(Would you guess I am an OGara fan)
George Hook is an awful tool!
Match commentary and panel much better on ITV can’t stick RTE any more
wooooooooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
God it could have been a real hammering if sexton got his game together, but at least we won Well done lads!!
Whoop whoop whoop!!!!
Ireland keeping Aus in the game with stupid penalties
And by leaving Sexton on the pitch
As much as it pains me to say it we need Sexton’s defense
Orsome !!!!!!!!!!
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Great reports. Really enjoying them
"Neil and the lads …" – You’re dead to us!
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.