Former NRL star Frank Puletua has urged the seven Manly players who have boycotted the team’s pride jersey to change their minds, insisting homophobia was not part of Polynesian culture.
Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley have pulled out of Thursday night’s game against the Sydney Roosters because of the Sea Eagles’ inclusive jersey.
Manly unveiled the jersey – called Everyone in League – on Monday to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the NRL.
Former NRL star Frank Puletua (middle) has urged Manly players who have boycotted the team’s pride jersey to change their minds and
The jumper features Rainbow colours replacing the traditional white piping on the maroon background, making Manly the first NRL club to wear a pride jersey in rugby league’s 134-year history.
All seven players are said to be opposing to wear the jersey on religious grounds and it is understood they and their teammates were not consulted over the jumper.
But Puletua, who is of Samoan descent, was surprised by the decision.
‘This is disappointing for me because a vast majority of the boys who made this decision are Polynesian,’ he told News Corp.
Manly players Sean Keppie (left), Kieran Foran (middle) and Reuben Garrick posed with the club’s Everyone in League jersey, which was unveiled on Monday
The jumper features Rainbow colours replacing the traditional white piping
‘It’s quite disappointing to see it has created this much conflict.I actually love the idea of a pride jumper. It’s fantastic.’
The fallout over Manly’s pride jersey comes three years after Israel Folau famously had his Australia contract torn up after he posted a meme on social media which said ‘hell’ awaits homosexuals and other groups he considered as ‘sinners’.
An evangelical Christian, Folau is of Tongan descent but Puletua refuted the suggestion homophobia was part of Polynesian culture.
‘I don’t believe homophobia is ingrained in Polynesian culture and it’s not something that is intrinsic in Pacific culture, put it that way,’ the 44-year-old, who won the 2003 Grand Final with Penrith, said.
Israel Folau was exiled by Australia three years ago following his homophobic remarks
‘We actually have a strong gay element in Polynesian communities.That’s where the irony and disappointment is for me.
‘What we have seen in recent times is the result of a lack of awareness and a lack of engagement from some communities.’
On Tuesday, bookmarker Manly boss Des Hasler apologised for the way the club handled the situation but confirmed the Sea Eagles will wear the pride jersey on Thursday night at Brookvale Oval.
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Manly coach Des Hasler refused to say who was responsible for the decision to go ahead with the pride jumper without consulting the players, but apologised to the LGBTQI community
