What’s The Buzz: Sea Eagles ‘seven’ remain silent after ‘pride’ jersey controversy

The Sea Eagles continue to protect the well-being and welfare of the seven players who refused to wear the club’s ‘pride’ jersey.

The Manly Sea Eagles continue to protect the well-being and welfare of the seven players who refused to wear the rainbow-themed Pride jersey for religious beliefs.

Under instructions from the club, Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley have remained silent.

Colleagues Dean Ritchie and Michael Carayannis revealed the story on July 25.

Under NRL guidelines clubs have to meet certain media commitments that include making ALL players available every few weeks.

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Josh Aloiai was among seven Manly players who refused to wear the club’s ‘pride’ jersey. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Last Wednesday Morgan Harper, Dylan Walker, Andrew Davey and Ben Trbojevic fronted up for the club’s weekly media session.

The previous week it was Kieran Foran, Jake Trbojevic, Reuben Garrick and Lachlan Croker.

But nothing from the Silent Seven.

Your columnist approached player agent Mario Tartak about interviewing Schuster.

Not just on the Pride jersey boycott, but his decision to withdraw from the World Cup to get himself fit to play five-eighth for the Sea Eagles next year.

“Des is protecting them,” Tartak said, “No matter what they say they are going to get hammered.”

New Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov has confirmed a decision has been made to protect the players.

It is a shame because most fans would like to get a better understanding of why they took such drastic action.

An action that has completely derailed their season.

Was it the club’s lack of consultation? Was it religion? Culture? Would they do it again? Questions that were left unanswered.

Mestrov says: “At the moment their priority is around playing footy. It was overawing for the younger ones. They’ve never had to publicly deal with social issues like this.

“At this stage we’re protecting them and supporting them.

“You can’t just put them up to the media and throw them to the lions.

“Eventually, when things settle down and it’s not a matter of wellbeing, I’m sure they will talk at the appropriate time.”