Manly have confirmed seven players will miss Thursday night's crucial NRL clash with the Sydney Roosters because they are unwilling to wear the club's inclusion jersey.
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Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler on Tuesday apologised for the club's failure to consult the players about the jersey design, which bears rainbow colours usually associated with the LGBTQI community, and the impact the fallout has had on the wider community.
He said the club accepted the decision of the players which rules them out of a match between two sides on the fringe of the top eight.
"The players will not play on Thursday and we accept their decision," Hasler said.
"These young men are strong in their beliefs and convictions and we will give them the space and support they require.
"The playing group are solid and understanding of each other's views. As a club we will wear the jersey on Thursday night."
Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau'atu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley are the players ruled out.
Hasler said he supported the use of the jersey, but also had concerns for the welfare of his players.
"They are not wearing the jersey as it conflicts with their cultural and religious beliefs," Hasler said.
"And I am concerned for their welfare. Their spirituality is part of their welfare."
The Sea Eagles will have to name a team for Thursday's match by 4pm on Tuesday, with James Segeyaro one man expected to be brought in.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys said he understood the players' choices, but pushed for inclusion and acceptance in the sport.
"I respect the players' choice. They have religious and cultural differences and that is the thing about Australia, we all have those freedoms," V'landys said.
"But one thing I take pride in with rugby league is we treat everyone the same.
"We are all human beings, it doesn't matter your colour, sexual orientation or race. We're all equal.
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The issue could not have popped up at a worse time for Manly or Hasler, with the Sea Eagles and Roosters placed either side of the top-eight dividing line.
Manly were already missing players ahead of the clash with the eighth-placed Roosters, who only head the Sea Eagles by for-and-against.
Manly are the only club to wear a pride jersey this weekend, 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 guernsey, citing religious beliefs.
Australian Associated Press
