matt russell

It’s now history that Manly’s proposed 2022 Pride Jersey exploded as a news story around Australia, indeed the World. The poor execution of the initiative, the player rebellion to wearing the jumper and media firestorm killed the Sea Eagles’ season and maybe Des Hasler’s coaching career in the process.

With so much of the NRL playing group having devout conservative religious heritage, the issue is dormant, not resolved.

Look what happened when the NBL tried something similar over Summer, even gently offering players the chance to be involved or not. Certain Cairns players pushed back and the Taipans were under criticism and in focus.

So, what’s the solution? True inclusiveness is wanting the lgbtqia+ community to feel understood, accepted, and respected while also respecting the rights of others not to have to publicly endorse a lifestyle they struggle to accept. No?

One word appeared twice there –respect. I love the idea of a ‘Respect Round’.

What about farmers who toil against the elements, often unable to attend games hundreds of kilometres from their land. Let’s include and respect them.

What about the single parents who struggle to raise children alone, too time poor to watch or attend games like they’d wish. Let’s include and respect them.

What about the poor and homeless, whose dreams were crushed by factors outside their control. We’d love them to feel included and respected.

Add groups to the list as you please – refugees, our emergency service personnel, those with a disability, disaster victims, etc.

Surely a Respect Round would be adopted by the entire NRL playing group because it caters for everyone and issues close to their heart. Surely the playing group would agree the world needs more respect and the kindness that goes with it. A successful ‘Respect Round’ is something we could all take PRIDE in.