Manly face player revolt over pride jersey

Manly are on the verge of a crisis with several players considering boycotting Thursday night’s clash with Sydney Roosters over the Sea Eagles’ decision to use a gay pride jersey.

The Sea Eagles announced on Sunday night that they would wear an LGBTIQA+ jumper for the crucial match, with a rainbow design replacing the strip’s white hoops.

But that decision has caused some unrest among players who are unhappy they were not consulted by club management.

Kieran Foran, Reuben Garrick and Sean Keppie were among those to help launch the strip but other players claim they learned about the move over social media on Sunday night.

Their concerns relate to questions that could arise from within their respective cultures.

Manly’s management were to meet over the issue on Tuesday but that was set to be rushed forward to Monday night.

The round 20 match looms as a crucial one for Manly, with the Roosters and Sea Eagles equal on wins in eighth and ninth place respectively and separated only by for-and-against points.