Latrell Mitchell has slammed rugby league legend Max Krilich over the former Australian Test captain’s call for players to be dropped for failing to sing the national anthem.
A storm kicked off this week when four Australian players were seen remaining silent while the national anthem was played ahead of their Pacific Championships victory over Samoa at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville,
The divisive act from NRL stars Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo attracted a backlash in some circles with Krilich among the high-profile figures calling for them to stand down from representing the country.
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Rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston earlier this week said players have every right to not sing the national anthem — especially after the Indigenous Voice to Parliament proposal was voted down in a landslide referendum result on Saturday.
Mitchell has now added his voice to the criticism being directed at Krilich and other social commentators.
The Rabbitohs superstar shared comments Krilich had made as reported by news.com.au on his Instagram stories and sent a clear message on where he stands.
“One in all in, he says?,” wrote Mitchell.
“Well, make a song that includes Indigenous people.
“Maybe change the date [of Australia Day]? Or, I don’t know even a voice to be heard?”
Mitchell also shared an image of Cobbo which included a note that it was “hard to be heard when you don’t have a voice”.
Earlier, Cobbo and his silent teammates were supported by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga.
Kangaroos coach Meninga also backed his players, whether they chose to sing or not.
“They’ve grown up with certain values, certainly with their families and those values have got to be respected,” Meninga told Triple M radio on Monday.
“I think it’s up to the individual. I personally sing the national anthem because I’m a proud Australian.
“There’s no doubt that they’re not less passionate Australians, they’re not less passionate people that want to put the green and gold jersey on… they’ve just got a value set that’s different and I think that needs to be recognised and acknowledged.”
The most powerful comments were made by Thurston when peaking at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame event in Sydney on Monday.
The Australian Rugby League Commission decided back in 2020 to not play the national anthem before the All Stars game on the Gold Coast after speaking with Indigenous players, and Thurston doesn’t think it should be an issue now.
“I know that the Indigenous All Stars didn’t sing the anthem and didn’t want the anthem played in those games at the start of the year, and that was a decision that they made as a collective group,” he said.
“I’m not exactly sure which players didn’t sing the anthem this time, but that’s their belief and their personal decision.
“Just like the nation voted on the referendum, they are allowed to do their thing as well.
“While you might not like it, that’s their decision.”
Krilich, meanwhile, was clearly offended, saying: “If you don’t to want sing the anthem then don’t play for the Kangaroos. It embarrasses me when they stand there staring like stunned mullets during the national anthem.
“It’s about showing respect for the national anthem of our country. It’s one-in, all-in so if you don’t want to sing the song then you’re out.
“Mal should get in there and say if you want to represent the great Australian jumper then get out there, open your mouths and sing the anthem.”
Australia has a week off in the Pacific Championships before facing the Kiwis the following weekend.
