Manly Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler has offered his apologies for 'mismanagement' over the club's Pride jersey launch, which has seen seven players refuse to play against Sydney Roosters on Thursday.
The players - including Kiwi players Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Alioai and Toafofoa Sipley - will sit the game out, as the Sea Eagles battle for an NRL playoff spot. Their teammates will still take the field in the rainbow-trimmed jersey as part of the competition's Women In League Round.
"We are here today to apologise for a significant mistake made by the Manly Sea Eagles Football Club," Hasler told a media conference.
"As you are aware, the club yesterday launched a jersey for Women In League Round. We changed our traditional jersey with the application of rainbows colours to replace all the white spaces and white lines.
"The intent of the rainbow colour application for our jersey was represent diversity and inclusion... embracing all groups who feel marginalised, face discrimination and have a suppressed share of voice.
"The jersey's intent was to support the advocacy and human rights pertaining to gender, race, culture, ability and LGBTQ movements. Sadly, the execution of what was intended to be an extremely important initiative was poor.
"There was little consultation or collaboration between key stakeholders, both inside and outside the club. This poor mismanagement has caused significant confusion, discomfort and pain for many people."
Hasler has apologised to the LGBTQ community, the NRL and clubs, and the Manly players, who have been divided by the controversy.
"These players will not play on Thursday and we accept their decision. These young men are strong in their beliefs and convictions, and we will give them the space and the support they require."
Across this side of the Tasman, NZ Warriors players have backed both the Pride jersey and the players boycotting on personal grounds.
"I just think, each to their own," said veteran playmaker Shaun Johnson. "I'm okay with it.
"If we're asked to respect the Pride community, then we should also respect the Christian or religious community as well. That's where I'm at with it.
"I don't have an opinion either way. It's not for me to worry about it."
Powerhouse forward Addin Fonua-Blake played almost 100 games for Manly, before shifting to the Warriors last year.
"Each to their own, I guess," he said. "I know there's a lot of cultured belief and religion that goes into their decision not to wear the jersey, but I've got nothing, but respect for the boys."
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