Manly pride jersey sells out despite NRL match boycott by some players

Manly will hold a press conference on Tuesday to address reports that several players have opted against wearing the Sea Eagles’ inclusivity jersey ahead of this week’s match against the Sydney Roosters.

Manly announced on Sunday they would sport a rainbow jersey in Thursday night’s clash at Brookvale Oval but according to reports on Monday, several players chose to boycott the match rather than wear the one-off design.

The decision to wear the jersey has reportedly caused unrest among several players, who also claim they only learned of the strip on social media on Sunday night and were not previously consulted.

Some players were reportedly concerned about questions that could arise within their culture or religion from wearing the jersey.

The club held a lengthy emergency meeting of Sea Eagles management on Monday night, where it was again requested that players wear the “Everyone in League” design.

However it is believed not all players have agreed to do so, and several are expected to sit out the match against the Roosters.

Ian Roberts, who became the first rugby league player to come out as gay while playing for Manly in 1995, said the player revolt “breaks my heart”.

The former Kangaroo and Sea Eagles star told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph: “It’s sad and uncomfortable. As an older gay man, this isn’t unfamiliar. I did wonder whether there would be any religious pushback. That’s why I think the NRL have never had a Pride round.

“I can promise you every young kid on the northern beaches who is dealing with their sexuality would have heard about this.”

By Monday night, the jersey had sold out on the club’s online store in all men’s and women’s sizes, with only junior versions of the strip available.

Manly are the only club to wear a pride jersey this week, becoming the first team in the 114-year history of the competition to wear such a design.

Earlier this year, AFLW player Haneen Zreika chose to miss Pride round rather than wear Greater Western Sydney’s pride uniform, citing religious beliefs.

This week is also the NRL’s Women in League round. The NRLW boasts strong a representation of LGBTQ+ players within the league.

The issue could not have come at a worse time for Manly or coach Des Hasler, with the two teams either side of the top-eight dividing line.

Manly were already missing players ahead of the critical match against eighth-placed Roosters, who only head the Sea Eagles by for-and-against.