The first British rugby league star to publicly come out as gay has accused Manly Sea Eagles players of using religion as an excuse for their homophobia.
Seven Sea Eagles players have refused to play in a special shirt to promote inclusivity and diversity and will not appear for the NRL club this weekend. Their absence is a protest at being asked to wear the club’s ‘Everyone in League’ campaign, which features a rainbow pattern traditionally associated with the Pride movement.
Keegan Hirst, the former Wakefield Trinity prop, became the first British player to publicly come out as gay when he did so in 2015 before retiring in 2020. The 34-year-old has condemned the players who have claimed ‘cultural and religious beliefs’ as their excuse for refusing to wear the shirt ahead of the clash against Sydney Roosters on Thursday.
“It's 2022 but I don't think you'd know that given what's going on,” Hirst told Sky Sports. “Massive wraps to Manly, they're the first NRL team to do this and change their jersey up for Pride round, which is great. It's a good thing.
“Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, morals and principles, but when you've got a shirt that promotes betting, it promotes gambling.. they're fine. Players are happy to do that but not happy to promote a jersey that promotes inclusivity? It's about welcoming everyone into the game and that's something rugby league has always prided itself upon.
“That's including players fans, sponsors, everybody. We have an amazing wheelchair game, for example.
“Everyone is allowed to play rugby league, and for these players to make this decision, and I feel hide behind religious and cultural beliefs, I feel as though it's homophobia hiding behind religion. There's plenty of people who are religious who aren't homophobic.”
When asked how he would feel if one of his own teammates had refused to wear the unique promotional shirt, Hirst added: “I'd be really disappointed. I'd make my feelings known.
“We have all sorts of rounds where we support mental health and everyone is happy to get behind them, but this is something for someone to hide behind. To say it's my religious belief, I just think it's unfounded. If it was someone in my dressing room I'd be calling them out on it.”
The seven players reportedly set to miss Thursday's match are Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley. Their absences could force the club to call up several unknown youth players to make their professional bow at a crucial time when Manly are in a tight battle to secure a place in the Premiership playoffs.
Do you think Manly Sea Ealges players should wear the shirt? Let us know in the comments section.
Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans has declared he will wear the shirt, but Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler apologised on behalf of the club on Tuesday. He felt the club poorly executed the shirt launch, although he insisted the team remain united and are ‘understanding’ of the divisive views.
“They [the players] are not wearing the jersey as it conflicts with their cultural and religious beliefs, and I am concerned for their welfare,” Hasler said. “Their spirituality is a central part of their wellbeing. The club has made an error from which it will learn. The players will not play on Thursday and we accept their decision.
“These young men are strong in their beliefs and convictions. We’ll give them space and the support they require. The playing group are solid and understanding of each other’s views.”
