‘I was filthy’: Allison Langdon blasts Manly stars’ backflip

While openly gay footy legend Ian Roberts was “crying uncontrollably” during Thursday’s match, something didn't quite sit right.

Today host Allison Langdon said she was “filthy” the seven Manly Sea Eagles players who boycotted Thursday night’s match had already vowed to play in next year’s match.

The week has been dominated by the pride jersey furore after Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley stood down from the important match over religious beliefs.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

However, before kick off, Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn said the issue wasn’t the jersey itself, but rather the lack of consultation with the players and staff.

Penn also confirmed the club planned to wear a pride jersey again next year and the players would wear the strip if they could be consulted.

Although the Sea Eagles lost the match against the Roosters 20-10 for the inaugural Gotcha 4 Life Cup, the match may have had a much bigger effect, starting a necessary conversation in the NRL and the greater Australian sporting community.

Speaking with Tigers legend Benny Elias, Langdon said the night was “something special” and “a triumph”.

But she was less pleased when discussing the news the seven players would wear the jersey next year.

“Let’s talk about these seven players, and you have to respect them for taking the stand that they did, that that is their belief,” Langdon said.

“But when they then turn around and say we’re going to take part next year, I was filthy.

“I’ve got to say I’m a Manly supporter, but I was filthy that they didn’t run out last night and that they didn’t put the team first.”

Allison Langdon was "filthy". Photo: Channel 9

Elias agreed, adding “I don’t think they’ll take the top 8.

“I think the ripple effect of what those seven players did last night will be a long-term effect for the club itself,” he continued. “I just think you will see a lot weakness in the club.

“Last night, the Manly boys needed those seven players to play one of their most vital games and they weren’t there, and now they’re saying they’re going to be there next year. Well, to me, that’s very hypocritical — you’re either in or you’re out.”

Langdon responded: “That’s what my fear is here, everyone’s painting a picture that it’s fine, we respect everyone’s opinion, but when you run out on that field every week together and you slog it out and it’s a team sport and you work so hard, when that game was so critical, that’s the part that I found disappointing.”

However both were positive about the conversation it’s started, as ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys floated an entire pride weekend next year.

The idea has already received support as Sharks forward Toby Rudolf opened up on his sexuality on Friday in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.

“Sexuality is very fluid. I’ve been out and kissed many gay men, kissed many straight women and kissed many gay women,” Rudolf said.

“I’m not a one-stop shop. Love is love, and I love to share it with everyone. You could say I’m open to both genders but only attracted to one of them.”

This conversation is not over. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

However, Elias said despite the divisive rhetoric, it had brought people together to have an important conversation.

“We’ve seen now the politicians talking about pride and equality and it’s fantastic, love is love,” he said.

“We’ve all come together. Last night was a great joy for the people that are following the game of rugby league.

“It has brought a very, very strong message out there into the community.”

Former Manly star and the first openly gay rugby league player Ian Roberts was in attendance with radio star and Gotcha 4 Life founder Gus Worland.

Worland said it was an emotional night as the pair sat together.

“I sat there with Ian Roberts, we cuddled and cried, and I said ‘We can do good with that money.’ That’s what it’s all about,” Worland said.

“Ian Roberts is such a star and I love him and he was crying uncontrollably at some stages last night. This is such a big move. The conversation has been started.”

You’ve got to be happy for Ian Roberts.

Gotcha 4 Life is a not-for-profit that delivers mental fitness programs to local communities with a goal of “zero suicides”.

Worland spoke to The Late show With Matty Johns after the match and said it was a goal he felt personally.

“I lost a friend of mine to suicide and I just don’t want anyone else to go through the same thing,” Worland said.

We lose way too many people every single day in this country so that’s why I started Gotcha 4 Life.

“Tonight, $300,000 before the jersey auctions, I’m assuming those jerseys, those Manly ones, might go for higher than normal, so I am thinking maybe somewhere between $375,000 and $400,000, which will then go back into the community to build mental fitness, to give people that emotional muscle to put their hand up and say I need some help.”

Originally published as ‘I was filthy’: Allison Langdon blasts Manly stars’ backflip