Bulldog’s Bite: Max Krilich lets fly at current Kangaroos who refuse to sing national anthem

A Test legend has blasted current Australian rugby league players, declaring: “If you don’t want to sing the anthem then don’t play for the Kangaroos.”

Emotional scenes during the Samoan anthem. Pic: Fox League

Former Test captain Max Krilich has blasted current Australian players who refuse to sing the national anthem, declaring: “If you don’t want to sing the anthem then don’t play for the Kangaroos.”

And Krilich, who famously led the undefeated 1982 Kangaroo through England and France, has called on Test coach Mal Meninga to intervene and tell his star players to sing Australia’s sacred song.

It comes as former ARL chairman Ken Arthurson said players should show more “respect” for the national anthem while ex-premiership winner and media figure Peter Peters roared: “I’m sick and tired of seeing players zip their mouth in the national anthem.”

Fox Sports vision clearly showed four Australian players – Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo – refusing to sing the national anthem before Saturday night’s Pacific Championship Test against Samoa in Townsville.

Conversely, Samoan rookie Connelly Lemuelu was in tears during his nation’s anthem while teammate Luciano Leilua was fighting back emotions.

“If you don’t to want sing the anthem then don’t play for the Kangaroos,” Krilich said. “It embarrasses me when they stand there staring like stunned mullets during the national anthem.

“It’s about showing respect for the national anthem of our country. It’s one-in, all-in so if you don’t want to sing the song then you’re out.

‘Stunned mullets’: Australian players including Payne Haas (second left) during the anthem. Picture: Fox League

“Mal should get in there and say if you want to represent the great Australian jumper then get out there, open your mouths and sing the anthem.

“When I hear the national anthem, I get a tear in my eye. I remember on the 1982 Kangaroo tour, hearing and singing the anthem pre-game, it’s something you remember forever.

“Maybe I’m in the minority these days.”

Peters was fired up over the issue too.

“On Saturday we saw a magnificent war dance and anthem (from Samoa). It meant so much to the Samoan team, well led by Junior Paulo,” Peters told the Big Sports Breakfast Weekend radio show.

“It was very much part of them representing their country. On the other side, you’ve got several Australian players refusing to open their mouths during the national anthem.

“Mal Meninga should be strong enough to say ‘guys, part of playing for Australia is that you sing the national anthem with pride’. They do it in rugby – they don’t do many things right in rugby – but the players sing the national anthem.

“If you don’t want to sing it, you can’t be picked, no matter who the player is. This has gone on for too long. It’s in our NSW Origin side and I don’t like that either. You talk to the coach before it and if you don’t want to sing the national anthem then you don’t play.

“If you wear the jersey, you sing the song. It should be part of playing for Australia.”

Kotoni Staggs did not sing the anthem. Picture: Fox League

Arthurson, the legendary rugby league official, was also “disappointed” at the players’ refusal to sing the anthem.

“If I was involved in the selection of the team, I’d certainly be calling them together and telling them that singing the anthem is something you should do,” Arthurson said.

“I’ve noticed when they’re lined up and some blokes aren’t singing. They really should pay that respect, definitely. I think it’s an absolute must if you want to know the truth.

“It’s a great honour to represent your country so it’s essential to sing the national anthem, without any doubt whatsoever. The least you can do is sing the national anthem. I saw some of the Samoan players in tears.

“I’m very proud to be an Australian. I can’t believe that people don’t sing it. To be on the field representing Australia, it’s something you should be really, really proud of.”

Selwyn Cobbo (centre) was one of four players to not sing the anthem. Picture: Fox League

HIGHLIGHT

Mitchell Pearce, 34, has officially retired after Catalans’ 10-2 loss to Wigan in Sunday’s Super League grand final. Pearce could certainly find a headline through his sparkling football and off-field indiscretions. His criticism was often heavy handed but Pearce always fronted up and unfailingly owned his mistakes. Respect.

LOWLIGHT

Who has had a gutful of sporting personalities and clubs sticking their unwanted beaks into politics? Those sporting organisations that entered the Voice referendum instantly halved their membership and audience. Leave politics to the politicians.

SPOTTED 1

On the same day he attended a Panthers signing session post-grand final, Canterbury-bound star Stephen Crichton was at renowned Bulldogs haunt, Jobel’s Café, in Belmore.

SPOTTED 2

Former Manly coach Des Hasler at Woolies, Dee Why, stocking up on mushrooms and pasta. Given how careful Dessie is with his coin, he opted for the generic brand.

Des Hasler was spotted buying generic brand at Dee Why Woolworths. Picture: NRL Photos

SPOTTED 3

Great mates Craig Coleman, Wayne Chisholm, Norm Lipson and Henry Morris carried a cake on Saturday when visiting Rabbitohs legend George Piggins, who was celebrating his 79th birthday.

SPOTTED 4

Former champions Bradley Clyde, Willie Mason, Paul ‘Nobby’ Clarke, Ron Coote, George Peponis and Eddie Flahey along with current Manly goal kicker Reuben Garrick, grand final referee Adam Gee, former Origin ref Ben Cummins and NRL head of football Graham Annesley at a Family of League luncheon in Pyrmont on Friday.

SPOTTED 5

Sam Burgess at The Everest dressed in a Richie Benaud-like beige jacket giving Today host Karl Stefanovic a pre-race hug.

SHOOSH

Which NRL coach had his own E Group security guard at Randwick on Everest day?

SHOOSH 2

Which ex-Panthers forward now playing with a Sydney rival was seen celebrating with former Penrith teammates on Mad Monday?

Originally published as Bulldog’s Bite: Max Krilich lets fly at current Kangaroos who refuse to sing national anthem