‘Disgraceful’: Benny Elias, Paul Kent clash on live TV over Manly pride jersey

Balmain legend Benny Elias couldn’t believe what Paul Kent was saying as the two clashed on live TV over Manly’s pride jersey scandal.

Kent and Elias butt heads.

Rugby league icon Benny Elias has clashed with journalist Paul Kent following comments the TV host made on Wednesday relating to the Manly Sea Eagles pride jersey boycott.

Seven Sea Eagles players sensationally stood down because they’re refusing to wear the inclusive jersey – featuring rainbow stripes and trim – in Thursday night’s clash against the Roosters.

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On Tuesday, Kent took aim at the “woke left” for “ostracising” the players over their stance, which they’ve taken due to religious and cultural beliefs.

On Wednesday, Kent complained sport and politics shouldn’t mix, saying “rugby league should be apolitical”.

“We all want equality, we all want equality. At the same time we want equality, we want to celebrate diversity,” Kent said on Fox League’s NRL 360.

“I don’t want to say they’re mutually exclusive but there’s very little overlap between equality and diversity and yet the NRL, and this is why we’re in such a thick spot with this at the moment, the NRL has no answer for this, Robbo (Roosters coach Trent Robinson) has got no answer for this, nobody has got an answer for this, society hasn’t got an answer for this.

“Rugby league, and this is my whole point, rugby league should be apolitical, we should not be sitting here every night trying to run a political agenda because the minute you run a political agenda down on our supporters, you divide the rugby league nation and you are going to continue to do that while ever this debate becomes a debate.

“There has got to be a way, hopefully someone smarter than us can come up with a way but at the moment nobody has.

“Both sides of the argument, whether you’re for the pride jersey or whether you’re for the Manly players’ right to sit it out… even the two people who are on the same side are arguing about different parts of it.”

Broncos legend Gorden Tallis said he’d happily play in the rainbow jersey, leading Kent to add: “You’d play in it and that’s your choice but it doesn’t mean the Manly players have to and that’s where everyone gets all mixed up in this.”

Later in the show Balmain Tigers legend Elias joined the desk to discuss the Manly saga.

“You’ve got great leaders like (Peter) V’Landys and Robbo who have come on TV and said we all support it and we all support this community, without a doubt, it goes without saying,” Elias said on NRL 360.

Kent interjected by saying “nobody has ever said they don’t”, a comment that left Elias momentarily stunned.

“Well they have said they don’t because they’ve stepped down and are not playing this weekend which is the greatest sign of saying no ... honestly it’s just disgraceful,” Elias said.

Manly legend Geoff Toovey was on the panel alongside Elias and agreed with the view of his former playing rival.

“I’m not a religious man but I do believe that hopefully there is a higher power up there somewhere and I hope whoever it is that they’re not a bigot,” Toovey said.

“That’s all I’m saying, that they’re accepting of everyone.”

"Rugby League should be apolitical."

Kenty speaks on the Manly jersey situation. What are your thoughts? 🤔

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