By Christian Nicolussi
Manly coach Des Hasler has supported his club’s move to wear a rainbow jersey but expressed regret for the way the Sea Eagles handled the rollout of the playing strip.
Hasler also spoke of his concerns for the welfare of the seven players who have opted to boycott Thursday’s game.
Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley will all miss the game against the Sydney Roosters because the one-off jersey, which embraces all minority groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, clashed with their religious and cultural beliefs.
On Tuesday afternoon the Sea Eagles named a new-look team that included debutant wingers Pio Seci and Alfred Smalley, with Jake Trbojevic, Lachlan Croker, Kurt de Luis and Andrew Davey also in the starting side and James Segeyaro and Morgan Boyle joining the bench. Zac Fulton, grandson of club legend Bob Fulton, has been named 18th man.
At an emotional press conference on Tuesday where he quoted Harvard University professor Robert Putnam, Mahatma Gandhi and a close friend on the autism spectrum, Hasler apologised to the minority groups as well as the ARL Commission, the NRL and 15 rival clubs for “creating negative news and shifting the spotlight from the launch of the Women in League Round”.
Hasler said there was the lack of consultation and communication with the players before the playing strip was made public.
Manly coach Des Hasler.Credit: Nick Moir
Speaking in front of a large media attendance beneath 4 Pines Park at Brookvale, Hasler said he believed in inclusiveness — “the NRL is for everyone” — and wanted to make sure the players who had been heavily criticised on social media for their stance were looked after.
“They were not included in any of the discussions about the decision-making with the jersey — at a minimum they should have been consulted,” Hasler said.
“There will always be subsets of society who have cultural and religious views, and they must always be considered.
“Personally I share the views that are inclusiveness across the game and society.
“It is an important matter and the NRL is for everyone.
“Our intent was to be caring and passionate towards all diverse groups who face inclusion issues daily. Sadly this poor management has cause significant confusion, discomfort and pain for many people.
“In particular those group whose human rights we in fact attempting to support.”
The jersey features rainbow colours taking up the normal white space on the jumper, recognising of minority groups pushing for more acceptance and human rights.
Hasler confirmed the players would not play in the vital match against the Roosters as both clubs attempt to remain in the race for the finals.
“They are not wearing the jersey because it conflicts with their cultural and religious beliefs. I’m concerned for their welfare. Their spirituality is a central part of their well-being.
“The players won’t play on Thursday and we accept their decision. These young men are strong in their beliefs and convictions. We will give them the space and support they require.
“The playing group are solid and understanding of each other’s views. As a club, we will wear the jersey on Thursday night.”
Hasler confirmed the seven players would attend Thursday’s game, but said, “I can’t answer that” when asked what kind of reception they could expect from their own fans.
“None of the coaching staff nor players had prior knowledge to the jersey,” he said.
Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans said the decision by so many of his teammates to make themselves unavailable had not put a strain on the playing group.
“We have to make sure we look after our teammates because it’s going to be a period they haven’t experienced before as professional athletes,” Cherry-Evans said.
“There will be 17 players out there celebrating inclusiveness and diversity. Hopefully we can start to shift our attention towards the good intentions that we had.
“We understand the footy part of this. We’re trying to play finals football, every game counts, and we’re playing against a side that isn’t far away from us on the ladder.
“We get all that. But these are decisions we have to accept, and for someone like myself as captain, it’s an opportunity to try and bring the group together and try to do something special on Thursday night.”
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