NRL 2022: Jake Trbojevic reveals how Sea Eagles healed their divide after pride jersey fiasco

Manly forward Jake Trbojevic admitted he struggled to understand why seven players boycotted last weekend’s game but maintains the club is not divided after the pride jumper fiasco.

Manly forward Jake Trbojevic admitted he struggled to understand why seven players boycotted last weekend’s game because “their number one thing is probably God whereas ours is footy.”

Six of the seven dissenting players will return for Friday night’s big game against Parramatta — prop Josh Aloiai is injured – with Trbojevic and teammate Kieran Foran vigorously denying their club was divided over the pride jumper fiasco.

Several meetings with players who withdrew altered Trbojevic’s original stance, which he claimed was “hard to comprehend”.

“Their number one thing is probably God whereas ours is footy,” Trbojevic said. “My number one thing is footy so, at first, it was hard to comprehend. I wasn’t too religious growing up so I didn’t really understand it, to be honest.

“Me and Josh (Aloiai) get on really well. We told each other what we thought and it made sense. We respected each other. He understood that we put this club really high on our priority list.

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Jake Trbojevic denies the Sea Eagles are a divided club. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“It was a good learning curve and it will bring us closer. We understand each other a bit more. We will move forward together and definitely be stronger.

“I got a really clear understanding of it and I am really comfortable with it, to be honest. I really respect what they did. I respect that they stood by their decisions and that’s what they wanted to do.

“At first, I had a few questions … not angry or anything and he explained it. Obviously at first, when we weren’t really understanding of it all … but I think we grew as a group. I know I grew a bit from it.

“It was really nice to talk to a few of the guys and get a really clear understanding that we all come from different backgrounds, different beliefs and different upbringings. That’s just the way it is.”

Without wanting to look toward next year, Trbojevic hinted that similar issues could arise should Manly wear another pride jersey in 2023.

“It probably would (be difficult) based on how it went this year but I’m not really sure,” he said.

Josh Aloiai was among the seven players who chose not to play last weekend. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Manly is desperately attempting to push the drama aside for fear their season could implode.

Foran said his club was united and held no animosity toward the seven players, labelling them “brothers”.

“That was their beliefs, that’s their decision and we understand that. It was an emotional week, there’s no denying that. Everyone played a role in that,” Foran said.

“It’s been dealt with and we have moved past it. We have got together a number of times now and we’re focusing on the year ahead and Parramatta.

“They (the seven players) have been some of our best players all year. They’ve done a tremendous job throughout the season and are a vital part of this footy side.

“They are our brothers, mate. They come straight back in and we get ready to go on Friday.”

Foran claimed he had no inkling of the uproar that lay ahead when he originally modelled the jumper – along with teammates Reuben Garrick and Sean Keppie – in a photo shoot for The Daily Telegraph.

Manly’s Sean Keppie, Kieran Foran and Reuben Garrick in the Sea Eagles’ Pride jersey, which created a storm last week. Picture: Manly Digital

“I can only speak for myself but I was more than happy to put on the jersey but that was my belief system and I’m comfortable with that,” he said.

Meetings last weekend between both sides of the club’s divide helped ease frustration and tension inside the Manly camp.

“I don’t really want to disclose those internal discussions, that’s for us as a club. But I can say they all went really well and we have all put it behind us. We are ready to move forward,” Foran said.

“Everyone took it on their shoulders and it was something that needed to be spoken about. It was about getting together, chatting about the week and what went on.

“Des (Hasler, coach) has played a massive role. That is one of his strengths as a coach is being able to bring players together and cater to everyone’s needs and wants.”

Manly’s boycott players recalled

Six of the seven Sea Eagles players who sensationally boycotted last weekend’s game over the pride jersey fiasco have been recalled to the Manly NRL squad.

Star players Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley played in Manly’s round 19 game against St George Illawarra before controversially standing down for the following round against Sydney Roosters due to religious beliefs.

Manly coach Des Hasler has now returned all bar one of the dissenting players for Friday night’s vital match against old rivals Parramatta at 4 Pines Stadium, Brookvale.

Prop Josh Aloiai wasn’t named when the team was released on Tuesday afternoon due to a knee injury. Schuster was demoted from bench player against St George Illawarra to 18th man against Parramatta.

Jason Saab (top) and Haumole Olakau'atu (centre) will return for the Sea Eagles after missing last week’s game against the Roosters. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Saab and Tuipulotu were named on the wings, Koula was picked at centre, Olakau’atu in the back row with Sipley at prop.

Sea Eagles players are attempting to unite amid speculation a rift had developed in the camp over the jersey drama.

Manly coach Des Hasler preferred not to comment when contacted on Tuesday night.

“They had to bring the players back – Manly want to play finals footy,” said former Manly prop Mark Carroll. ”Of course Dessie had to name them.

“I just hope there’s no disharmony, that’s my main concern.

“But Dessie is the king in putting the jigsaw back together.”

Parramatta enter the big game wary of a Manly side poised to rebound.

“We know what they went through last week as a club and playing group,” Parramatta co-captain Clint Gutherson told the Big Sports Breakfast radio show.

Manly coach Des Hasler. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

“When you go through that, there are times when we’ve had tough weeks, you just want to go out there and out in a great performance; go out and prove everyone wrong.

“We know they will come out and do that and we know we have to go there and go after the game ourselves. We haven’t won at Manly in a long time so we are making sure we are ready to go.”

Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans will move into outright third for most games played at the famous club. Cherry-Evans will play his 279th NRL game, only behind Steve Menzies (280) and Cliff Lyons (309). Cherry-Evans was alongside Anthony Watmough on 278 games.

The Sea Eagles sit on 20 competition points and must win to retain aspirations of playing finals footy again this season.

Manly forward Sean Keppie was unavailable due to a shoulder injury.

Eels put teen in No.7 hot seat

-Brent Read

Jake Arthur will get first shot at wearing the Parramatta No.7 jersey in the absence of Mitchell Moses in Friday night’s game against Manly at 4 Pines Park.

Arthur, who has made five appearances in first grade this year, will be charged with the primary playmaking duties in the absence of Moses, who is expected to miss up to a month after undergoing surgery for a broken finger.

The 19-year-old son of coach Brad Arthur has been the subject of unwanted criticism at times this year, most recently while making a cameo appearance in the Eels’ loss to Brisbane a fortnight ago.

Arthur was jeered before the game by Eels fans and then again when he took the field. After being named as 18th man last week, he will make his return to first grade in front of raucous Sea Eagles supporters on Friday night as Parramatta attempt to keep their top four hopes on track.

Jakob Arthur will play halfback for the Eels against Manly. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

ROUND 21 TEAMS

ROOSTERS v BRONCOS

Thursday, 7.50pm, SCG, Sydney

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Matthew Lodge, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Nat Butcher, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Ben Thomas, 16. Drew Hutchison, 17. Terrell May

Reserves: 18. Adam Keighran, 19. Fletcher Baker, 20. Kevin Naiqama, 21. Renouf Atoni, 22. Siua Wong

TEAM NEWS: Forwards Lindsay Collins (concussion) and Egan Butcher (suspended) are out which sees Matt Lodge promoted to the starting side while Ben Thomas and Terrell May join the bench.

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Deine Mariner, 5.Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Jake Turpin, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Corey Jensen, 17. Keenan Palasia

Reserves: 18. Te Maire Martin, 19. Zac Hosking, 20. Xavier Willison, 21. Delouise Hoeter, 22. Cory Paix

TEAM NEWS: Selwyn Cobbo returns from his fortnight off due to concussion and slots straight onto the wing in place of Delouise Hoeter. Starting lock Pat Carrigan (suspension) is replaced by Kobe Hetherington. Jake Turpin replaces Corey Paix as bench hooker/utility and Ryhs Kennedy comes onto the bench too.

STORM v TITANS

Friday, 6pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: 1. Tyran Wishart, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Marion Seve, 4.Grant Anderson, 5. Dean Ieremia, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Brandon Smith, 15. Tui Kamikamica, 16. Tom Eisenhuth, 17. Chris Lewis

Reserves: 18. Alex MacDonald, 19. Cooper Johns, 20. Xavier Coates, 21. Jordan Grant, 22. Young Tonumaipea

TEAM NEWS: Justin Olam (Covid) is out so Grant Anderson moves from wing to centre and David Nofoaluma who recently joined the team on loan from the Tigers is named to start on the wing. Do watch late teams though with Xavier Coates in the reserves. Nick Meaney is replaced at fullback by Tyran Wishart.

Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Jojo Fifita, 3. Phillip Sami, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Patrick Herbert, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Aaron Booth, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Erin Clark

Bench: 14. Greg Marzhew, 15. Herman Ese’ese, 16. Isaac Liu, 17. Jaimin Jolliffe

Reserves: 18. Sam McIntyre, 19. Corey Thompson, 20. Toby Sexton, 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 22. Paul Turner

TEAM NEWS: Some movement in the spine with Toby Sexton dropped to the reserves which sees Tanah Boyd move to half, AJ Brimson from fullback to five-eighth and Jayden Campbell start at fullback. Greg Marzhew joins the bench.

SEA EAGLES v EELS

Friday, 7.55pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles: 1. Reuben Garrick, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Morgan Harper, 4. Tolutau Koula, 5. Christian Tuipulotu, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Toafofoa Sipley, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Andrew Davey, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Ben Trbojevic, 16. Martin Taupau, 17. Morgan Boyle

Reserves: 18. Josh Schuster, 19. Ethan Bullemor, 20. Kurt De Luis, 21. Kaeo Weekes, 22. Brad Parker

TEAM NEWS: Wholesale changes at the Sea Eagles. Five of the ‘jersey seven’ in Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Tolutau Koula, Haumole Olakau’atu and Toafofoa Sipley come into the starting lineup. Dylan Walker and Martin Taupau are pushed to the bench and are joined there by Ben Trbojevic. Josh Schuster is in the reserves and Josh Aloiai (knee) is unavailable for selection.

Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Viliami Penisini, 4. Tom Opacic, 5. Waqa Blake, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Jakob Arthur, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Bryce Cartwright, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18. Ofahiki Ogden, 19. Hayze Perham, 20. Brendan Hands, 21. Sean Russell, 22. Elie El Zakhem

TEAM NEWS: Jake Arthur will cover for Mitch Moses (finger) in the halves in the only change to last week’s team.

RABBITOHS v WARRIORS

Saturday, 3pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Isaiah Tass, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Blake Taaffe, 15. Davvy Moale, 16. Siliva Havili, 17. Mark Nicholls

Reserves: 18. Izaac Thompson, 19. Dean Hawkins, 20. Richard Kennar, 21. Shaq Mitchell, 22. Josh Mansour

TEAM NEWS: Jed Cartwright (hamstring) and Tom Burgess (suspended) are out which sees Taane Milne slot into the centres and Mark Nicholls the bench. Kodi Nikorima’s utility spot has been taken by Blake Taaffe.

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Marcelo Montoya, 4. Euan Aitken, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Wayde Egan, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Freddy Lussick, 10. Tohu Harris, 11. Bayley Sironen, 12. Jack Murchie, 13. Aaron Pene

Bench: 14. Taniela Otukolo, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Eliesa Katoa, 17. Josh Curran

Reserves: 18. Jackson Frei, 20. Dunamis Lui, 21. Daejarn Asi, 22. Adam Pompey, 23. Viliami Vailea

TEAM NEWS: Plenty of changes for the Warriors who will feature a new look backrow with Aaron Pene, Bailey Sironen and Jack Murchie all named to start - Josh Curran is benched, Jazz Tevaga (shoulder) is out and Euan Aitken has moved to the centres replacing Adam Pompey. Chanel Harris-Tavita (knee) is out so regular hooker Wayde Egan goes to five-eighth and Freddy Lussick to hooker. Taniela Otukolo joins the bench.

RAIDERS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 5.30pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: 1. Xavier Savage, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papali’i, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Emre Guler, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera

Reserves: 18. Albert Hopoate, 19. Ata Mariota, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Corey Horsburgh, 22. Semi Valemei

TEAM NEWS: Jordan Rapana’s return from suspension in place of Albert Hopoate is the only change to the 17 who won last week.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Taylan May, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jaeman Salmon, 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Charlie Staines

Reserves: 18. Sunia Turuva, 19. Matthew Eisenhuth, 20. Chris Smith, 21. Kurt Falls, 22. Lindsay Smith

TEAM NEWS: It’s a new-look halves for the premiers with Sean O’Sullivan and Jaeman Salmon partnering there. Stephen Crichton returns in the centres and Mitch Kenny on the bench.

SHARKS v DRAGONS

Saturday, 7.35pm, PointsBet Stadium, Cronulla

Sharks: 1. Kade Dykes, 2. Connor Tracey, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Siosifa Talakai, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Braydon Trindall, 15. Aiden Tolman, 16. Teig Wilton, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Miller, 19. Jesse Colquhoun, 20. Royce Hunt, 21. Matt Ikuvalu, 22. Thomas Hazelton

TEAM NEWS: Kade Dykes gets first shot at replacing fullback Will Kennedy. Braden Hamlin-Uele gets a start at prop in place of Royce Hunt (shoulder) and Braydon Trindall joins the bench however, Hunt has been named in the reserves so watch for a late change.

Dragons: 1. Moses Mbye, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Jack Bird, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Tautau Moga, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Jack De Belin, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Tyrell Sloan, 15. Aaron Woods, 16. Francis Molo, 17. Josh McGuire

Reserves: 18. Michael Molo, 19. Max Feagai, 20. Jaiyden Hunt, 21. Tyrell Fuimaono, 22. Jackson Ford

TEAM NEWS: No changes for the team who were thrashed by the Cowboys.

BULLDOGS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 2pm, Salter Oval, Bundaberg

Bulldogs: 1. Jake Averillo, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Braidon Burns, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Max King, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Jacskon, 12. Jackson Topine, 13. Tevita Pangai Jr

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Joe Stimson, 16. Harrison Edwards, 17. Chris Patolo

Reserves: 19. Declan Casey, 20. Kurtis Morrin, 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 22. Jeral Skelton, 23. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

TEAM NEWS: No changes for the Bulldogs though watch for late changes with Raymond Faitala-Mariner named in the reserves.

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Reuben Cotter, 16. Luciano Leilua, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Connelly Lemuelu, 19. Brendan Elliot, 20. Riley Price, 21. Tom Chester, 22. Ben Hampton

TEAM NEWS: Kyle Feldt (hamstring) is out and replaced by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow which creates a bench spot for Jake Granville.

TIGERS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Starford To’a, 4. Asu Kepaoa, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Jock Madden, 8. James Tamou, 9. Fa’amanu Brown, 10. Joe Ofahengaue, 11. Alex Seyfarth, 12. Kelma Tuilagi, 13. Fonua Pole

Bench: 14. Zane Musgrove, 15. Austin Dias, 16. Tom Freebairn, 17. Tyrone Peachey

Reserves: 18. Junior Tupou, 19. Jake Simpkin, 20. Brandon Tumeth, 21. James Roberts, 22. Justin Matamua

TEAM NEWS: Fonua Pole is promoted to the starting side at lock in place of Jackson Hastings. Tom Freebairn named to make his NRL debut off the bench.

Knights: 1. Tex Hoy, 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Dom Young, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Mitch Barnett

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Simi Sasagi, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Mat Croker

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns, 19. Jirah Momoisea, 20. Adam Clune, 21. Kurt Mann, 22. Hymel Hunt

TEAM NEWS: David Klemmer is replaced in the starting lineup by Jacob Saifiti. Bradman Best returns at centre which sees Simi Sasagi dropped and Enari Tuala move to the wing.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Jake Trbojevic reveals how Sea Eagles healed their divide after pride jersey fiasco