First pics of NRL star emerge since pride scandal

One of the seven Manly players refusing to wear a pride jersey has been spotted for the first time since the controversy broke.

One of seven Manly players boycotting an NRL game after refusing to wear a pride jersey was spotted outside Parramatta Court on the day of the fateful match.

Star prop Josh Aloiai arrived at the court on Thursday alongside teammate Manase Fainu who is facing charges over a frenzied brawl in which a youth leader was allegedly stabbed.

Fainu denies stabbing the man in the back and has pleaded not guilty to wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Aloiai made a show of supporting Fainu and was a significant presence in his entourage as they entered the courthouse for the trial which started this week.

There is no suggestion Aloiai had anything to do with the incident.

Josh Aloiai is one of seven players boycotting an NRL game over a pride jersey. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

The star prop arrived at Parramatta court alongside teammate Manase Fainu who is facing charges over a stabbing. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Along with teammates Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley, Aloiai has declined to play against the Roosters on Thursday night on religious grounds.

The group say a jersey designed with coloured stripes intended to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community is contradictory to their religious beliefs.

Fainu (left) denies stabbing a youth leader in the back during a frenzied brawl. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Manase Fainu (L) and Josh Aloiai (Second from the left) arrive at the Parramatta Courts. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Following broad condemnation by high-profile commentators including many associated with the NRL, the players were asked not to attend Thursday’s match over security concerns.

Their absence will however be felt by Manly when they take to the pitch for the must-win game with the Roosters.

For his part, Aloiai generally makes up a crucial part of Manly’s front row with the 26-year old contracted to the team until at least the end of 2025.

All seven of the players have been asked not to attend Thursday's game at Brookvale oval over security concerns. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Manly coach Des Hasler apologised for the ugly saga. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Manly coach Des Hasler was forced to apologise for the potentially damaging impact the very public saga has had on members of the LGBTQ community.

“As you are aware the club, yesterday, launched a jersey for a round, we applied rainbow colours to the jersey to replace all of the white spaces. In the white lines,” Hassler said.

“There was little consultation or collaboration with key stakeholders. Both inside and outside the club. Sadly, this poor management and project management has caused significant confusion, discomfort and pain for many people.”

Originally published as First pics of NRL star emerge since pride scandal