Former NRL superstar Ian Roberts has shown compassion for the group of Manly Sea Eagles stars who have refused to wear the club's Pride kit by saying he 'fully respects' their decision.
Roberts, 56, was the first rugby league star to publicly come out as gay in 1995. He decided to do so at Manly because he "felt safe" in his environment, something that perhaps wasn't the case at South Sydney Rabbitohs, where he made his professional debut in 1986.
The Sea Eagles unveiled their 'Everyone in League' special edition jersey on Monday, which features rainbow stripes to promote the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. It was soon reported Thursday's fixture against the Sydney Roosters could be in danger after seven players said they'll refuse to wear the kit.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley had withdrawn from the squad. It's since been reported three of those players may back-track on their refusal, while Roberts has shown empathy for any who wish not to identify with the Pride message.
"Where do we go to from here? This is the type of conversation, it is not the way we wanted this conversation to start but we are having the conversation now," Roberts told ABC News. "Seeing it in a positive light. I fully respect those players choosing not to play and their right not to play, their religious beliefs. I would love, given the opportunity to sit around a table with those guys in the summer conversation with them. I fully respect their views."
Sea Eagles head coach Des Hasler said in a press conference that the launch of their 'Everyone in League' kit should have been handled better. He understood why some players may not want to wear the strip due to "cultural and religious beliefs," revealing neither players nor coaching staff were informed of the release beforehand.
Roberts went on to explain he has been "lobbying the NRL for a number of years" with a view to organising a round of rugby centred around Pride. He also explained his decision to come out at Manly because of the set-up in the changing room and his own maturity.
Fans showed their appreciation for the Pride-themed Manly jerseys by purchasing the kit en masse, which sold out hours after news of a player revolt emerged. But as magnanimous as Roberts was in part of his response, that doesn't mean news of a Pride rebellion was completely painless.
"I try to see it from all perspectives but this breaks my heart," Roberts told Australia'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 push back. That's why I think the NRL have never had a Pride round."
