Two Manly stars who controversially refused to wear a shirt supporting the pride movement have broken their silence on the saga.
In July, Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley all withdrew from the Sea Eagles' clash with the Sydney Roosters. Their stance followed the eight-time NRL Premiership winners unveiling jerseys with rainbow colours, to "celebrate inclusiveness."
Manly coach Des Hasler later said he backed the decision of the players, who had withdrawn on religious grounds. Former player Ian Roberts, the first rugby league star to publicly come out as gay in 1995, also insisted he respected the choice of those involved.
