The seven Manly players who are refusing to wear the pride jersey for tonight’s (July 28) game against the Roosters have been handed yet another scathing blow by a former NRL star.
Ex-New Zealand international Jordan Kahu has unleashed a fierce attack on the Sea Eagles players who are boycotting the jersey, reminding them of the message it gives to younger generations.
Kahu took to Instagram to post a lengthy message to Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley who have snubbed the one-off jersey.
He wrote: “You want to pick and choose when you want to stand. You want to pick and choose when you want to be inclusive.
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“These humans don’t get to pick and choose who they are! You ‘stand’ with these players? They don’t even know who the f*** you are and won’t even see it.
“But someone who does know you might see it, someone who’s been struggling with telling everyone the truth.
“Why? Because they’re made to feel they’re not normal. And then what might they do?
“Quick Google search and you can find that there are nine-year-olds taking their own life because of this shit. f***ing nine! What if this was your kid?”
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In 2018, a nine-year-old boy from Colorado tragically took his life after he was bullied for coming out as gay, according to ABC News.
The Manly players in question cited their cultural and religious beliefs as the reason preventing them from wearing some rainbow stripes on their jerseys.
As a result of the backlash, the players are set to miss the game entirely and won’t attend 4 Pines Park as the club is worried about their safety.
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The Daily Telegraph reports there were concerns the crowd could become heated by the mere presence of the anti-LGBT players.
Kahu joins a long list of NRL personalities who have slammed the Manly player’s decision to remove themselves from the upcoming fixture.
The likes of Hugh Jackman, Corey Parker, Frank Puletua, Trent Robinson, and Ian Roberts, among many others have criticised the seven players.
Jordan Kahu played primarily for the Brisbane Broncos throughout his career, however, had a stint at the North Queensland Cowboys in 2019.
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He retired at the end of the 2021 NRL season after injuries hampered his final years in the league.
Featured Image Credit: NRL/Supplied. Manly Sea Eagles/Instagram.Topics: NRL, Rugby League, Australia