By Caden Helmers
Samu Kerevi says Christian players who agreed with Israel Folau’s religious views were banned by Rugby Australia from publicly supporting their teammate during a saga which divided the game.
An ABC documentary titled Folau shines a new light on one of the most divisive chapters in Australian sport, which ultimately led to the former Test fullback losing his contract and missing the 2019 World Cup.
Then-Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle said players were given the opportunity to express their views about Folau’s social media post, which said “hell awaits” drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators.
But Kerevi says players were told “not to say anything”, and he was one of the few who liked the post and has voiced his frustrations about being told to stay silent while those opposing Folau’s views were allowed to speak out.
“We got told from our media teams not to say anything about supporting ‘Izzy’ or saying anything at all,” Kerevi told filmmakers.
“After those coming days, everyone that didn’t support him was all over the news. They were allowed to be interviewed, they were allowed to say they don’t support the message.
Samu Kerevi has spoken out in support of Israel Folau.Credit:Stuart Walmsley/RUGBY.com.au
“That’s what annoyed us and made us angry. It’s like ‘Hey, you’re allowing one side of the story to be spoken about and to be supported, but not the other’. How come they’re allowed to speak, and we’re not?”
The Folau fiasco served as a precursor to the NRL’s Manly Sea Eagles “Everyone in League” jersey saga, which saw seven players refuse to wear a rainbow-themed uniform. Des Hasler’s side did not win another game after “the Manly seven” took the controversial stance, and the fallout saw their finals hopes go up in smoke. Hasler last month parted ways with the club he first played for almost four decades ago.
Archival footage from then-Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is shown during the documentary, in which he says he “wouldn’t be able to” select Folau in an Australian squad given the controversy surrounding his social media posts.
“For most of us boys, it started turning to anger because there were so many things going on in rugby. People were going to court or whatever, and they’re not getting sacked,” Kerevi said.
“If someone does domestic violence, then he is OK to play. But someone that is posting someone that is in the Bible, that’s not play on. That balance, I just didn’t understand at the time and I didn’t want to accept. I was ready to go to battle for my faith and stand up for my beliefs.
“Me liking a post, it just turned from zero to 100 real quick. Being called a ‘bigot’ and stuff, and people saying ‘I’ll see you in hell’.
“It was really hard to take as a Polynesian group. As a Christian and a Polynesian, I understood both sides. I have family who are gay, and they’re Christians. They believe in God, they understand what their lifestyle choices are. I understand both sides.”
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