The Sea Eagles will become the first club in NRL history to wear a pride jumper. And disappointingly, there’s been enormous collateral damage.
On top of the tiring ignorance on social media, seven players have reportedly made the extraordinary decision to boycott Manly’s vital Thursday night fixture with the Roosters, on religious and cultural grounds.
Many have been quick to point out this same group play on Sundays, are happy to profit from gambling advertisement and run out onto a ground named after an alcoholic beverage. On top of that possible hypocrisy, depending on the religion being referenced, it’s hard to ignore that this group stayed pretty quiet when teammate Dylan Walker was charged with allegedly assaulting his fiancee in the 2018-19 off-season.
Another squad member will – finally – face court next week on charges involving an alleged stabbing at a Mormon church in 2019. The club has stuck by Manase Fainu so far, despite the severity of the allegations. To this point, none of the seven players have publicly indicated that they’re uncomfortable with the club’s position on the troubled hooker.
What infuriates me (and always has) is that players will boycott over a rainbow but never boycott a teammate if he’s been accused of violence against women or any other morally reprehensible behaviour that they would all agree they don’t condone. I do not understand it.
— Pam Whaley (@PamelaWhaley) July 25, 2022
There is no doubt more thorough consultation could’ve helped avoid club embarrassment just three days out from the home fixture. But then again, should Manly’s officials need to check whether its players are intolerant towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community?
This jersey is designed to promote inclusivity and respect. And owner Scott Penn has doubled down on the club’s commitment to play in a rainbow-themed jersey at 4 Pines Park Thursday night.
“It was about saying we want everyone in the game and making them feel they can get involved,” Penn told the SMH.
“We’re not going to force them to play, but we’re committed to the jersey and we’re committed to inclusion. We’re not walking away from our position.”
I don’t want to hear one single thing about ‘respecting other people’s opinions’ or using religion as a crutch to hide behind while being homophobic.
— Matt Bungard (@TheMattBungard) July 25, 2022
No issues playing at a stadium covered in alcohol and gambling sponsors, which is also a sin. What a joke https://t.co/9K4N1HlWSb
The response, from all angles, has been intense. Once again, LGBTQIA+ members of the rugby league community have been reminded that their place in the game is conditional.
At the very least, it’s encouraging to note that Manly’s men’s pride merchandise sold out within hours of the news that players would stand down.
The bigger picture now is the work ahead for the NRL to unite fractures in its community. Rugby League has strong religious representation, compared to other sports, which won’t be changing any time soon.
#NRL (Thread) IMO you’re at the beginning of an impasse and have tough decisions moving forward regarding #LGBT in the NRL. More than 50% of the NRL player employees are Polynesian with religious cultural beliefs. But your brand is about inclusiveness.
— Outlawed Commissioner (@OutlawedCommish) July 25, 2022
It’s getting to the business end of the NRL season and the 9th-placed Sea Eagles will play the 8th-placed Roosters to kick off Round 20, with just for-and-against separating the two nine-win teams.
But even still, Manly has drawn a line in the sand.
If you’re struggling to find a positive tonight, an NRL club is pretty much willing to risk sabotaging its season in order to wear a pride jumper.
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) July 25, 2022
That is quite something.
