Manly’s jersey boycotters have told club management they are prepared to wear a pride jersey next season, as long as they’re consulted in the process.
Josh Aloiai, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Tolu Koula, and Toafofoa Sipley all refused to play this week to avoid wearing a jersey which features a rainbow pattern to celebrate inclusiveness in rugby league.
But their major issue was not necessarily the jersey itself, but the lack of consultation regarding their cultural and religious stance.
“I think they were somewhat frustrated that it went as far as it did without consultation, and we respect that,” Manly owner Scott Penn told 9News.
“We are all about inclusiveness, so we will continue this theme.”
Penn confirmed the Sea Eagles plan to wear a pride jersey again next year, and the boycotters have indicated they will get involved next time.
“Yes. that’s the message they were very clear on – let’s work together,” Penn said.
Gay rugby league icon Ian Roberts – who is the only male player to come out of the closet to date – said he wants to sit down with the players in question and speak about what a pride jersey would mean to the LGBTQ community.
Penn says the players are prepared to sit down with Roberts.
“The players we met with are keen to talk to him, and get their message across and they want to hear from him.”
