Former Manly Sea Eagles Warriors star Addin Fonua-Blake was reluctant to criticize his former club’s players for refusing to wear a pride shirt this weekend, while Shaun Johnson says he understands both points of view.
Fonua-Blake, now the backbone of the Warriors’ forward pack, was asked about the latest controversy for the Sydney Northern Beaches side at the team’s media session at Mt Smart Stadium.
READ MORE: Hasler apologizes for ‘major’ Manly ‘mistake’
READ MORE: Gallen rips Manly over the forgotten victims of the sweater saga
READ MORE: New twist in Wests Tigers referee furore
Seven players, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and New Zealanders Josh Aloiai, Toafofoa Sipley and Christian Tuipulotu have pulled out of the Sea Eagles’ game against the Roosters on Thursday night.
Ian Roberts emotional message to Manly players
They’ve done it because they won’t wear a rainbow-themed shirt to celebrate diversity and inclusion, for religious and cultural reasons.
Fonua-Blake, who played 97 games for the Sea Eagles before moving to the Warriors last season, is a religious person and when asked if he had any insight into the Sea Eagles’ plight, he chose not to be critical of the players who take this. stance
“Not really, each to their own,” Fonua-Blake said.
Hasler apologizes for Manly ‘mistake’ – From Manly Sea Eagles coach
“I know there are a lot of cultural and religious beliefs that go into their decision not to wear the shirt, but I have nothing but respect for the boys and I have no bad comments about it.”
Johnson also chose not to criticize the players, but also said he had respect for the LGBTQI community.
“I have no opinion,” Johnson said.
“I think to each their own. I agree with that if we’re asked to respect the pride community and we also have to respect the Christian or religious community.
“That’s where I stand on this. I don’t have an opinion either way. It’s not for me to worry.”
During press conferences around the NRL on Tuesday, players from all clubs were pressed for their thoughts on the matter.
Dragons duo Andrew McCullough and Jaydn Su’A said they would have no problem wearing a pride shirt.
Manly did not consult the players on the shirt decision
McCullough pointed out that the naming rights to his home ground, 4 Pines Park in Brookvale, are held by an alcohol company, in a subtle jab at the protesters.
“It wouldn’t bother me. I drink beer on the weekend so wearing a shirt like that wouldn’t bother me,” McCullough told the Illawarra Mercury.
“You’re going to be without seven players at this time of the year. In hindsight maybe they could have been asked earlier.
“But it’s hard, not being there it’s hard to comment.”
Su’A said he would have no qualms about wearing such a jersey for the Dragons and highlighted how the Sea Eagles will be affected by the call-up.
“We don’t have this drama here, we don’t have a pride shirt, but everyone has different perspectives and opinions,” Su’A said.
Gallen’s impassioned message amid Manly pride shirt fiasco
“I can’t really comment on what they’re doing. It’s probably a tough situation, they’re around 20 points as well.
“Missing seven quality players … you know it hurts.
“But in the end it’s their choice, their belief.
“I’m here to play football, I’d put the shirt on if that’s what the club needed.”
Tom Burgess took to social media to suggest Souths should create their own pride shirt, while Parramatta Eels captain Clint Gutherson described the situation as “tough”.
“A lot of people just play the game and they just want to play the game,” Gutherson told Big Sports Breakfast.
“There is always a lot of news that people have, it is difficult, it is delicate.
“They are in a difficult situation, but this is the situation and they have to resolve it.”
For a daily dose of the best breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!