Manly coach apologises for Pride jersey controversy

The club has issued a mea culpa, and confirmed seven players will not play in Thursday's game.

Seven Manly Sea Eagles players have boycotted Thursday's game in protest of the club's new Pride jerseys.

Manly Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler has apologised for the “significant mistake” of announcing the club's controversial Pride jersey without consulting the players, and confirmed team members who object will not take the field in Thursday’s game.

Seven Manly stars made the decision on Monday night to stand down from this week’s match against the Sydney Roosters, in protest of the club’s decision to dress the players in rainbow-coloured uniforms. 

Hasler confirmed the jersey would be worn by players on Thursday night, but apologised for "the mistakes we have made" in not alerting the players before the change was leaked to the media.

“We are here today to apologise for a significant mistake made by the Manly Sea Eagles Football Club,” he told a press conference.

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

“If we had suitably cooperated with key stakeholders, both internally and externally we would have cultivated hopefully, a more suitable trust that would have ideally led to our action. Our intent was to be caring and compassionate towards all diverse groups who face inclusion issues daily. However, instead of enhancing tolerance, and acceptance, we may have hindered this.

“The club has made an error, from which we will learn.”

The seven players standing down are understood to be Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula, Christian Tuipulotu and Toafofoa Sipley.

All are religious.

The seven players who will not play in Thursday's game.

Hasler said he was concerned for the wellbeing of the players who have stood down, who have been branded as "bigots". 

"Their spirituality is an essential part of their wellbeing," he said. 

"These young men are strong in their beliefs and conviction and we will give them the space and support they require. The playing group are solid and understanding of each other’s views." 

The rainbow-piping on the jersey will replace the traditional white piping on the Manly Sea Eagles jersey for the game against the Sydney Roosters. 

Captain Daly Cherry-Evans said he would be wearing the jersey "to endorse diversity and inclusivity." 

Club great Ian Roberts, who in 1995 was the first-ever rugby league player to come out as gay, said the situation “broke his heart”.

“It's sad and uncomfortable,” he told the Daily Telegraph. 

“As an older gay man, this isn't unfamiliar. I did wonder whether there would be any religious push back. That's why I think the NRL have never had a Pride round.

“I can promise you every young kid on the northern beaches who is dealing with their sexuality would have heard about this.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he hoped the matter would soon be “resolved”. 

“It's a good thing sport is more inclusive,” he said. 

“Ian Roberts is a friend of mine. He showed incredible courage. 

“He wasn't the first gay man to play rugby league... He was the first to be able to have the courage to come out and that paved the way for others to do so and it's important that in Australian society we respect everyone for who they are."

Ian Roberts.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys has downplayed the saga, saying he respected the players' decision despite disagreeing with it.

“The game prides itself on treating everyone as a human being, no matter what their race, colour or sexual orientation,” V'Landys told 2GB on Tuesday.

“We're all human beings at the end of the day.” 

“Rugby league is the greatest game for all. It's inclusive. But at the same time you have to respect people's religious beliefs and cultural beliefs.

“Those players are taking a stand and they've got every right to – they've got freedoms to do so. We live in a free country.”

“But as far as the game is concerned, we pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming everybody, no matter their race, colour or sexual orientation.”