NRL 2022: Sea Eagles apologise for ‘significant’ jersey mistake

It was supposed to be a special moment to promote inclusion in the community, but Manly’s Pride jersey has only served to divide the game.

Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler has sensationally apologised to players, fans, the NRL and members of the LGBTQI+ community at an extraordinary press conference as the fallout from the club’s pride jersey continues.

The club was applauded on Sunday for launching a special jersey as part of Women in League Round that was supposed to encourage and promote inclusivity in rugby league and in the greater community.

The jersey was received well and sold out within 24 hours on the club’s website.

But what was meant to be a celebration quickly turned into a crisis when seven players declared they wouldn’t take on the Roosters on Thursday night because they weren’t consulted about the jersey.

The seven players – Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula, Christian Tuipulotu and Toafofoa Sipley – attended an emergency meeting on Monday night but couldn’t be talked out of their boycott.

Des Hasler has apologised for the club’s mistakes. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

“We are here today to apologise for a significant mistake made by the Manly Sea Eagles Football Club,” Hasler said.

“The jersey’s intent was to support the advocacy and the human rights pertaining to gender, race, culture, ability and the LGBTQ movement.

“Sadly, the execution of what was intended to be an extremely important initiative was poor.

“There was little consultation or collaboration with key stakeholders, both inside and outside the club.

“Sadly, this poor management and project management has caused significant confusion, discomfort and pain for many people, in particular those groups whose human rights we were in fact attempting to support.

“We have even adversely affected our playing group – a wonderful group of people comprising many different racial and cultural backgrounds.

“We wish to sincerely apologise for the mistakes that we have made.”

Hasler lamented the club not talking to the players about the jersey in the weeks leading up to the game and said part of his focus going forward was to ensure he looked after the welfare of the seven Sea Eagles in question.

“None of the coaching staff or players had prior knowledge to the jersey,” he said.

“They are not wearing the jersey, as it conflicts with their cultural and religious beliefs.

“I am concerned for their welfare. Their spirituality is a central part of their wellbeing.

“The club has made an error from which we will learn. The players will not play on Thursday, and we accept their decision.

“These young men are strong in their beliefs and convictions, and we’ll give them the space and support they require. The playing group is solid and understanding of each other’s views.

“As a club, we will wear the jersey on Thursday night.”

Fullback Reuben Garrick shows off the pride jersey. Picture: Manly Digital

The Sea Eagles coach said his heart went out to people who had been let down by the decision and said he and the club were there to listen if they wanted to vent.

He also confirmed the club had spoken with the league about not wearing the jersey on Thursday.

“That was a discussion we had with the NRL, but the fact is, we had that initiative and the jersey is about inclusiveness and diversity, which we will support,” Hasler said.

The decision by seven key players to stand down this week is a huge blow for the Sea Eagles who are locked on 20 points with the Roosters with six games to go.

A loss on Thursday would rock their finals hopes, but skipper Daly Cherry-Evans said he saw it as a huge opportunity for the club to produce a classic backs-against-the-wall upset win at home.

He also hoped fans wouldn’t walk away from the club after the Sea Eagles were inundated with furious comments on social media.

“We try to encourage people to have an open mind with what’s going on at the moment,” Cherry-Evans said.

“As a society, we do have a lot of progress to make around topics like this.

“But there are going to be people out there who are wearing the jersey. I’m going to be out there proudly wearing that jersey trying to endorse inclusiveness.

“I think eventually when we get over the fact that people have made a choice not to play, there are people who have made the decision to be out there.”