Manly Sea Eagles have been rocked by news emerging today that seven of their stars have stood themselves down for selection against Sydney Roosters due to the club’s decision to wear a pride shirt celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
The seven players are understood to be the deeply religious Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula, Christian Tuipulotu and Toafofoa Sipley, who claim that they were not asked before the new jersey was announced.
Those seven players refused to wear the new shirt, but were willing to put on the traditional Manly strip. That, however, isn’t possible with the NRL’s rules not allowing players to wear an alternative strip on the same field.
That being said, the club is also standing firm with no intention to withdraw the jersey which includes rainbow colours across the front.
If the Sea Eagles continue their strong stance, they will become the first club in rugby league’s 114-year history to wear a jersey — titled Everyone in League — celebrating diversity and inclusivity in the NRL.
Meanwhile, head coach Des Hasler has thrown his support behind those players refusing to wear the strip.
Sea Eagles legend, Ian Roberts, was the first rugby league player to come out as gay back in 1995, and he backed Manly for releasing the shirt.
However, he is disappointed to say the least by the players’ attitude.
Roberts, in 1995, became the first rugby league player to come out as openly gay, and on Monday threw his support behind Manly’s move.
“I try to see it from all perspectives but this breaks my heart,” Roberts said.
“It’s sad and uncomfortable. As an older gay man, this isn’t unfamiliar. I did wonder whether there would be any religious push back. That’s why I think the NRL have never had a Pride round.”
“I can promise you every young kid on the northern beaches who is dealing with their sexuality would have heard about this.”
It’s a debate that’s likely to continue on as Manly and those seven players refuse to budge on their stance.
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Anderson
July 26, 2022 at 5:59 am
Match Tags : Manly Sea Eagles vs Sydney Roosters
When : 28th July 2022
kick-off : 15:20
About the match latest results and Predictions:
The Roosters and Sea Eagles will be determined to avoid going 0-2 to start the season when they lock horns at the SCG on Friday night. Trent Robinson’s decision to leave his star players out of the trials proved costly, with the Roosters lacking any fluidity across the field. Meanwhile, the Roosters have been hailed as premiership favourites this season, but they were disjointed and lacklustre in a shock 14-point loss to the Knights at home then stream link also available here through the website mentioned below.
WEBSITE : https://rugbystreams.me/nrl-streams