Manly powerbrokers have backtracked on leading plans for the club’s controversial ‘Everyone in League’ jersey to be worn again next season, with CEO Tony Mestrov saying decisions on any inclusion initiative will be left to the NRL.
As Anthony Seibold was officially unveiled as the Sea Eagles new coach ahead of his first training session at Brookvale, his maiden press conference inevitably turned to the pride jersey saga that played a significant part in Des Hasler’s exit.
As recently as mid-October, the Herald reported that club officials planned for the jersey to be worn again in 2023, albeit with better consultation with Manly’s players — seven of whom sat out a crucial clash with the Roosters in objection to the initiative.
Chairman Scott Penn also went on the record in July saying Manly’s Everyone in League jersey would continue and that players would be willing to wear it, though prop Josh Aloiai has already indicated he would again refuse to do so.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has indicated an NRL-wide pride or inclusion round would be considered by the Commission in 2023, with Mestrov declaring Manly will leave any call on such an initiative to the governing body.
“If there’s any initiative or overarching initiatives, they’ll be run by the NRL,” Mestrov said.
Manly’s controversial ‘Everyone in League’ jersey.Credit:Getty
“We’ve been in discussion with the NRL and any initiative will be put forward by them, not us. That’s simple to say and we’ve really got nothing further to add about us organising a Pride Round or a Rainbow Round. That will be an NRL issue.
“The NRL will do the consulting, they will speak to the RLPA and players and so on rather than the club itself. It works much better that way we feel.”
