‘Respect the Manly 7’: Sea Eagles fans divided in support amid pride jersey drama

Manly put in a spirited performance against the Roosters, but their fans were divided in the stands about the pride jersey drama.

After the week-long controvery surrounding their pride jersey, Manly turned in a spirited performance against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, albeit in a loss.

With seven players refusing to play in the pride jersey, the Sea Eagles blooded four debutants and were given little chance.

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The Roosters got off to a flyer with first half tries to Daniel Tupou, Nat Butcher and Joey Manu, while Andrew Davey scored for Manly.

But the Tricolours had a lacklustre second half and held on for a forgettable 20-10 win as Alfred Smalley crossed for a consolation try on debut for Manly.

The pride jersey drama overshadowed the lead-up to the game but to their credit, Sea Eagles fans still turned out in force at Brookvale Oval.

Manly supporters booed the Roosters as they came onto the field in typical fashion.

Manly fans show their colours on Friday night. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

There was plenty of rainbow in the crowd at Brookvale Oval. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Some supporters made special signs with the message “Love is love” accompanied by rainbow love hearts.

Manly fans deserve a wrap for the support they gave their team in adverse circumstances.

— Brad Walter (@BradWalterSport) July 28, 2022

There was plenty of rainbow in the stands but some spectators showed their disdain for the pride jersey drama and held up signs that various messages including: “Respect the Manly 7”, “We stand with the Manly 7”, “Respect the conscience of the Manly 7” and “Respect the faith of the Manly 7”.

Also written on the signs was “#Inclusion” and “#Diversity”.

They were referring to the group of players who were opposed to wearing the jersey due to their religious beliefs.

The players were Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olaka’uatu Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley.

The ‘Manly Seven’ were asked not to attend the Round 20 clash for security reasons.

Not everyone was willing to put the pride jersey drama behind them. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The ‘Manly Seven’ had some support. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The jersey features three rainbow stripes and trim and was worn as a one-off this week, which is Women in League round.

By winning the match, the Roosters claimed the Gotcha4Life Cup in honour of the charity founded by radio host Gus Worland. Gotcha4Life raised $300,000 this week to fight mental illness.

The victory was a crucial one for for the Roosters in the race for finals and sees them consolidate eighth spot on the ladder with 10 wins.

Earlier, Manly chairman and owner Scott Penn revealed the players who boycotted the game against the Roosters have agreed to wear a pride jersey next season, as long as they are consulted.

Penn said the players’ main issue wasn’t necessarily with the jersey itself, but the lack of consultation concerning their religious and cultural stance.

“I think they were somewhat frustrated that it went as far as it did without consultation, and we respect that,” Penn told 9News.

“We are all about inclusiveness, so we will continue this theme.”

Penn confirmed Manly plans to wear a pride jersey against next season and said the seven players in question have suggested they will get involved.

“Yes. that’s the message they were very clear on — let’s work together,” he said.