Why NRL must prepare for Pride Jersey storm

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The Manly Sea eagles pride jersey controversy is set to continue in 2023. A rainbow stripe on a jersey not only ruined Manly’s season, it turned the NRL upside down.

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Seven players boycotted an important game over the jersey which shone a light on the lack of embrace for the LGBTQIA+ community.

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The Manly seven have broken their silence from their respective camps at the World Cup with Sea Eagles prop Josh Aloiai expressing he and the other six players received death threats.

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Aloiai then mentioned that his sister is gay, that she supported his stance and marvelled, too, at the overwhelming media coverage on the issue.

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Steps must now be taken to rectify the situation. ARLC boss Peter V'landys confirmed he would support a Pride Round across the NRL in 2023.

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Roosters coach Trent Robinson was also firm that his players would wear a pride jersey and why it would be important for them to do so.

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A reckoning is coming, and the sooner the NRL prepares for it the less damage when it arrives.

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The thought behind sport

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