Rugby league legend Benny Elias has backed the idea of a pride round in the 2023 NRL season, although he said the actions of the ‘Manly Seven’ will leave a lasting impact on the club.
“Last night, it was a great joy for the people who followed the rugby league game, and you know, it’s brought a very, very strong message to the community,” Elias told Nine’s Today .
Manly were beaten 20-10, the game much closer than expected after half of their first-grade squad was ruled out.
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“They only got beat by 10 points, it was a game they needed to win,” Elias said.
“I just think now, I think Manly will suffer drastically for the rest of the season. I don’t think they’ll get into the top eight.
“I think the ripple effect of what these seven players did last night will be a long-term effect for the club itself.”
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The players – Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley – did not want to wear a shirt for religious reasons, but Elias was having none of it.
“Christianity is about coming together and doing the right thing, and it’s about believing in each other and loving each other,” he said.
“Last night the Manly lads needed those seven players to play one of their biggest games and they weren’t there, and now they’re saying they’ll be there next year.
“Well, to me, that’s very hypocritical, so you’re either in or you’re out.”
Manly fall two points behind the Roosters and could end the weekend as low as 11th in the table.
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“If you look at it from a professional point of view and what Manly is about, they had to win last night,” he said.
“They were at Brookvale Oval. If they had a strong side, a much better chance.”
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But the short-term downsides for the Sea Eagles could be offset by long-term positives for rugby league in terms of the LGBTQI+ community, including the possibility of a Pride round going forward.
“At the end of the day, we’ve seen politicians now talking about Pride and equality and it’s great,” Elias said.
“Our great leaders, Peter V’landys and you could see that Robbo [Trent Robinson] Last night at the Roosters, everyone came together, stood up and we’re all here for one cause.
“We are now talking about a Pride weekend next year in 2023.
“I think if the NRL shows massive leadership and we dedicate ourselves to what we’re dedicated to, which is togetherness and loving each other, I think it will go a long, long way to making the game a better place.”
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