NRL 2022: The Manly Sea Eagles rookies who wore jersey with pride, Zac Fulton, Pio Seci, Alfred Smalley
With seven players boycotting the pride jersey, three Manly rookies took their opportunity with open hands, including a third generation Fulton who could not hide his joy.
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The pride was there for all to see in the Manly debutants on Thursday night. From Zac Fulton with blood streaming down his face from a cut above his eye sharing an emotional embrace with grandmother Anne to rookie winger Albert Smalley waking up on game day and not believing he was going to make his debut.
Pio Seci earned $300 in a losing Blacktown Workers side last week only to be marking up against three time premiership winner Daniel Tupou four days later.
Experienced lock Jake Trbojevic summed up the situation best.
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“I’ll be honest with you it was a tough week,” Trbojevic said. “It was tough but also nice at the same time.
“It was great to see some guys get a debut. We only met Pio on Tuesday. It was emotional watching them getting their jerseys. They were all so proud and that make the week pretty special.”
The seven players who boycotted the match because of Manly’s inclusive jersey naturally dominated headlines. But Fulton could not hide his joy at becoming a third-generation first-grader.
Perhaps the loudest applause on Thursday night was reserved for Fulton when he came onto the field to play out the final 27 minutes.
He was involved in a heated exchange with Roosters veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves during the clash and as the pair shook hands after the game.
Even though the Sea Eagles lost 20-10 nothing could dampen Fulton’s mood.
“It was special,” Fulton said. “To do it for my family and them watching in the grandstand named after my grandfather. It’s a surreal moment.
“I found out on Tuesday before training. I was with the boys (who stood-down) and I respected their decision
“I called my mum and she’s away in Denmark. I was just stoked.”
Smalley has taken the long road into the NRL. The diminutive winger had an eventful first outing. He was placed on report making his first tackle and scored late try.
“I woke up and I couldn’t believe I was making my debut,” Smalley said. “It is a dream come true
“It didn’t hit me until I turned up the ground. I had a lot of nerves. I needed to get first run and first tackle along the way
“I did my ACL last year and missed the whole season. I moved back to Australia from New Zealand this year to give it one last crack.
“I couldn’t believe what was happening when I got the call. It’s just been unreal.”
Welcome to the #NRL young Fulton, I guess?
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) July 28, 2022
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves on report.
(Courtesy Fox League)#NRLManlyRoosterspic.twitter.com/GP8UBwyv7R
CHERRY-EVANS’ DIVERSITY WARNING TO NRL, CLUB BOSSES
Manly coach Des Hasler insists the seven players who sat out Thursday’s emotional 20-10 loss to the Sydney Roosters will make a seamless return to the NRL, while his captain Daly Cherry-Evans issued a warning to NRL and club bosses.
Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olaka’atu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley will all be available for Friday night’s clash with Parramatta after stepping down from the Roosters game following cultural and religious concerns over Manly’s use of the gay pride rainbows on its jersey.
Asked what sort of reception the group can expect when they return, Hasler replied: “I think it will be sympathetic. We need to be honest and have some accountability.
“As long as were take some learnings and grow. It’s never going to be (fully) solved but we certainly don’t want to shy away from it. It’s been very emotional from all different aspects, but as long as we’re all sympathetic to each other’s cause we’ll get there.”
Asked after the match about the changing nature of the sporting landscape and whether codes would be promoting more off-field messages in future, Cherry-Evans issued a warning to NRL bosses and clubs about trying to “make” players promote certain causes.
“I’d like to answer that. As a player I think we need to be really careful about how much we push onto the players to commercialise the game,” he said.
“If you look at a dressing room as an NRL squad, it is very diverse and it is very inclusive so I just wonder how much we need to do as athletes, I guess, to push out there.
“Because we already are a lot of things of what we’re trying to represent and what the club tries to make you represent. At some stage we have to understand that sport is pretty inclusive. It’s not perfect and it does have boundaries but I know from my time in the game it does represent a lot of the things we’re talking about tonight.
“But unfortunately when people get put in a position to have to do something they don’t want to do, then I think that’s when you see positions like tonight.”
Hasler and Cherry-Evans were immensely proud of their makeshift side’s performance against the Roosters, with the coach saying: “It was full of effort. They stepped up and had a real crack.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson always felt his side was in control, but admitted it was far from a polished performance.
“I felt we were threatening to open it up at stages but we lost direction,” he said.
“We had lots of passing and movements but a lot of errors off the back of it. But you celebrate your wins. You’ve got to make sure you’re happy and pick up the positives from that.”
There was concern for Lindsay CoIlins, who was forced from the field and didn’t return after a nasty head collision with Morgan Boyle in the first half.
It was the Queensland prop’s first game back after suffering a heavy knock in Origin III and he now looks set for another lengthy stint on the sideline Robinson said: “He’s okay in the sheds but obviously it looked quite bad.
“It’s always disappointing to see one of your players have that happen, especially when it happened a couple of weeks ago.”
MANLY PLAYERS, FANS SHOW PLENTY OF PRIDE DESPITE JERSEY DRAMA
Stuck into the fence at Brookvale Oval’s southern end were a clutter of small rainbow flags.
Seven of ‘em.
Behind which, sat a group of young women, including sisters Ella and Tessa Moroney, who wore jerseys supporting both teams yet carried just one message.
A message, too, which had seen them purposely arrive early and sit down by the fence to tell.
“Just to make sure this,” Ella said, motioning towards the flags, “is something everybody in Australia sees”.
After a week of controversy over Manly’s rainbow jersey – and the seven players who refused to wear it – these flags, the girls said, were a show of support for unity, community, all of it.
“This has been such a public issue,” Ella continued of the jersey controversy.
“Every LGBTQI person has seen this.
“They’ve been targeted, they’ve been discriminated, so we need to make an equally big statement that we are here for them.”
So on that front, the Sea Eagles won.
Just as they have already promised to double down and wear the kit again next year.
But win the scoreboard?
Not quite.
Still, for a side missing seven players they had a genuine crack. Played for plenty.
Indeed, on a night when Manly were effectively without half its usual side – all of whom refused to don colours celebrating the LGBTQI community – they were eventually beaten by the Roosters only 20-10.
Which isn’t exactly season over.
But geez, this gets tough for Des Hasler and his crew from here.
Still, it wasn’t the shellacking many were expecting.
Same as Zac Fulton, grandson of Sea Eagles Immortal Bob ‘Bozo’ Fulton, also made his first grade debut. While rookie wingerAlfred Smalley also crossed for a try late.
Overwhelmingly, the crowd of 12,187 were also right behind a team missing Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley.
All of whom withdrew from the match due to religious and cultural reasons.
While the boycotting players did not attend the match, there was no drama in the crowd – despite fears that protesters may use the Thursday Night Football clash to make a statement.
Yet it never happened.
Back down by the fence, Ella said that as an LGBTQI woman, she found the decision to boycott the jersey “disgusting” and spoke of a need to make people feel “safe”.
Elsewhere, there were other pockets of Rainbow Warriors keen to make a point.
Like Sea Eagles fans Melanie Taylor and Carol Coleman who, both club members for 15 years, said they had decked themselves out in rainbow colours to “show love” for both inclusion and club.
“I love Ian Roberts, who was the most amazing player,” Taylor explained.
“And it took so much courage for him to come out when he did yet in all the years since nobody else has. And don’t tell me there aren’t other gay guys in the game.
“But they’re too scared to come out.
“Especially after this week. But people should be proud of who they are, proud of their team, proud of everyone. We need to be inclusive.”
Brave loss leaves Manly in precarious position
-Adam Lucius
It was an ugly week that threatened to end with the ugliest of results, but a spare-parts Manly proved they are still a club very much united after pushing the Sydney Roosters all the way in a courageous 20-10 loss at 4 Pines Park on Thursday night.
Following days of bitter argument and division over the club’s decision to wear a gay pride jersey, the Sea Eagles hoped they could at least give fans something to smile about on the field.
With seven frontline players — Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley – sitting it out after refusing to promote the rainbow colours for cultural and religious reasons, Manly bookmarked a performance which will go down in the club’s storied history.
They didn’t win but the home side came out full of energy, passion and commitment, taking the fight right up the Roosters despite being without so much firepower.
They didn’t care so much who wasn’t in their side, it was all about getting the best out of a bunch of rookies, unknowns and an old NRL slugger in James Segeyaro.
You want inclusion? This was inclusion on a grand scale as every Manly player chipped in to go the full 80 minutes with one of the NRL’s premier clubs.
They were a pebble in the Roosters’ shoe all night.
There was a smattering of Manly fans wearing the controversial gay pride rainbow jerseys among the crowd of just over 12,000, but no sign of trouble – only support – after such a tumultuous week.
That support grew with every minute as the $6.50 outsiders took the fight right up to the Tricolours, who appeared stunned by the assault.
“This has been some effort from the Manly club,” Immortal Andrew Johns said, clearly impressed by the home side’s ticker.
But for all the Sea Eagles’ sweat and grind, the Roosters just managed to keep their opponents at arm’s length long enough to claim an unconvincing – but vitally important – victory.
Daniel Tupou grabbed the game’s first try on nine minutes after Sam Walker hit him with a perfect cut-out pass.
Nat Butcher claimed the Chooks’ second midway through the half, collecting a ridiculously skilful James Tedesco grubber to score.
But a sickening head knock between Lindsay Collins and Morgan Boyle not only cost the Roosters their Origin prop for the night, it soon led to Manly’s first try.
Seconds after Collins left the field, the Sea Eagles scored from the resumption of play through
Andrew Davey and the blowout we all expected wasn’t quite materialising.
Even when the Roosters scored from the next set after Manly failed to take the kick-off, it still didn’t feel like the visitors were in complete control despite leading 18-6.
In truth, they never were. The Roosters only added two points in the second half but walk away with their top eight spot intact.
CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS
It was the one cause largely sidelined as Manly’s pride jersey divided the rugby league community, turning fan against fan. We’re talking Manly’s finals cause, which is now looking a touch more perilous following this not unexpected loss.
The Sea Eagles started round 20 in ninth position on 20 points with a +18 for and against. By Sunday night they could be as low 12th if the Raiders and Dragons win their respective games.
If we agree 28 points is required to make the top eight, it leaves Manly having to win four of their last five games. Their run home is: Parramatta (Home), Gold Coast (Away), Cronulla (H), Canberra (A), Canterbury (A).
The view is a lot better from where the Roosters are sitting, locking down eighth spot for another week and enjoying a lot healthier for and against than their nearest rivals.
(GRAND) SON OF A GUN
There was a lovely moment late in the game when a third generation Fulton made his way onto 4 Pines Park for the first time at NRL level.
Running towards the stand bearing the name of his grandfather and league immortal Bob Fulton – and with father Scott and uncle Brett part of a big family contingent watching on – backrower Zac entered the contest early in the second half and did the famous name proud.
He ripped into his work in defence, managing to rattle Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ cage in the
process, and carried the ball without fear into the teeth of the Roosters’ defence.
His impressive debut was another uplifting moment on an emotional night at a ground where his grandfather, uncle and father enjoyed so many memorable moments.
There was another touching moment towards the end of the game when winger Alfred Smalley crossed for a try on debut, drawing one of the loudest cheers of the night.
RELIVE OUR COVERAGE OF THE MANLY VS ROOSTERS CLASH BELOW
9:41pm — SIN BIN DRAMA ON THE BUZZER
With just 22 second left in the game the game threatened to explode, after Egan Butcher came up with a high shot on James Segeyaro. After players ran in for a scuffle, both Butcher and Manly centre Morgan Harper were sent to the sin bin for the high shot and third man in respectively.
What was shaping as a high scoring affair early has ended in an anticlimax for the Roosters, with just two second half points. While Manly clearly looked more fatigued as the game went on, they did enough to hold out. Commentator Greg Alexander said the Sea Eagles clearly looked sapped of energy after a dramatic week.
9:39pm — ROOSTERS 20-12 SEA EAGLES
With just minutes left in the game the Sea Eagles have scored just their second try of the match, with rookie winger Alfred Smalley scoring a try in the 77th minute.
9:18pm — JWH ON REPORT
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been put on report after giving away a penalty while in possession of the ball, after some ugly elbow contact into the face of debutant Zac Fulton. Waerea-Hargreaves has been targeting Fulton since he got on the field, with some other contact to the face after tackles.
9:10pm – THREE GENERATIONS OF FULTON SEA EAGLES
You love to see it. The grandson of Manly legend and NRL immortal Bob Fulton, Zac, is on the field for his debut and is officially an NRL player.
9:00pm – ROOSTERS 20-6 SEA EAGLES (46TH MINUTE)
The Roosters have started the scoring in the second half, converting another penalty after Manly came up with a strip right in front of the posts. The Roosters lead by more than two converted tries with just over 30 minutes remaining.
8:40pm — HALF-TIME ROOSTERS 18-6 SEA EAGLES
The Roosters head into the halftime break with the lead after a pretty dominant start. James Tedesco is in sensational form, while Joey Manu looks threatening with every touch of the ball. It could be a long second half for the Sea Eagles unless coach Des Hasler can inspire them in the break.
8:29pm — ROOSTERS 18-6 SEA EAGLES (28TH MINUTE)
And the Roosters have struck back immediately, with the Sea Eagles failing coming up with possession off the kick-off. Joey Manu proved too hard to handle yet again, with the in form centre scoring his tenth try of the season.
MANU MAGIC 🤩 #NRLManlyRoosterspic.twitter.com/EXstYVfbnq
— NRL (@NRL) July 28, 2022
8:26pm — ROOSTERS 12-6 SEA EAGLES (26TH MINUTE)
The Sea Eagles have hit back, with Daly Cherry-Evans putting backrower Andrew Davey through a massive hole to barge over James Tedesco and score. The Roosters will be without enforcer Lindasy Collins for the rest of the game, after a nasty head knock.
Manly is right back in it! 💪
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 28, 2022
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8:17pm — ROOSTERS 12-0 SEA EAGLES (20TH MINUTE)
The Roosters are starting to look like they could run away with a big score, with back-to-back tries, with Nat Butcher crossing the line on the back of a near-perfect kick from fullback James Tedesco. Fox League commentator Greg Alexander says James Tedesco is close to the form that saw him win the Dally M medal in 2019.
Talk about skilful...
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 28, 2022
Tedesco is playing some great football! ðŸ‘
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8:16pm — FANS SUPPORTING THE MANLY SEVEN
8:05pm — ROOSTERS 8-0 SEA EAGLES (8TH MINUTE)
The Roosters have opened the scoring with a taking the two points on offer after Manly debutant Alfred Smalley came up with a high shot on Sam Verrills to save a certain try. Commentators Andrew Voss and Greg Alexander were left stunned that Smalley was not sent to the sin-bin. Just minutes later minutes later, the Roosters scored the first try of the match through Daniel Tupou.
OH BOY!
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 28, 2022
Alfred got lucky there...
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7:55pm — ROOSTERS FANS SUPPORT MANLY JERSEY
Rooster fan Ella Moroney and her friends who decorated the fence with the seven rainbow flags said they were making a statement.
“As a LGBTQI woman, I am here to say to those Manly players I think their behaviour was really disgusting, we want to show the players and the fan that been who you are is ok, we love you and you’re safe with us,” Moroney said.
“We wanted to make sure that this is something everybody in Australia could see, this has been such public issue, every LGBTQI person has seen this, they’ve been targeted, they’ve been discriminated, so we need to make an equally big statement that we are here for them.”
7:43pm – FANS SHOW OFF MANLY PRIDE
Groups of Rainbow Warriors have descended on Brookvale Oval in a strong show of support for both the LGBTQ community and Manly Sea Eagles ‘rainbow’ jersey.
Speaking prior to kick off, Sea Eagles fans Melanie Taylor and Carol Coleman – both of who have been members for 15 years -- said they were disappointed in the seven players who had chosen to boycott the game.
“These so called seven, they’re picking and choosing,” Taylor said. “They can’t wear a jersey with a little rainbow but they can wear one with alcohol sponsors, gambling sponsors, they can play on Sundays …”.
Asked why they had chosen to go so public with their support, which included brandishing rainbow flags, Taylor continued: “I love Ian Roberts, he was the most amazing player.
“It took so much courage for him to come out when he did yet in all the years since nobody else has. And don’t tell me there aren’t other gay guys in the game.
“But they’re too scared to come out.
“Especially after this week.
“But people should be proud of who they are, proud of their team, proud of everyone.
“We need to be inclusive.”
7:36pm – ALL SMILES FROM MANLY DEBUTANTS
Debut crew â¤ï¸#NRLManlyRoosters#ManlyForeverpic.twitter.com/LWbD80z2Kr
— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) July 28, 2022
6:50pm — LATE MAIL IN
For the Sea Eagles Sean Keppie is out, with Martin Taupau moving to prop, Kurt De Luis moves to the bench and Zac Fulton joins the bench from the reserves, with Kaeo Weekes 18th man.
The Roosters will line-up 1-17 with no late changes, with Adam Keighran in as 18th man.
6:40pm — PRIDE JERSEYS SPOTTED
After initially selling out of the controversial pride jerseys, fans are queuing up at 4 Pines Park to get their hands on some!
More Coverage
Right there but so many people infront of me wish me luck 😫 pic.twitter.com/s558nDu5PV
— Ella 🦅🦅 (@ellapk3) July 28, 2022
Originally published as NRL 2022: The Manly Sea Eagles rookies who wore jersey with pride, Zac Fulton, Pio Seci, Alfred Smalley
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