NRL powerbrokers are reportedly set to discuss the introduction of a pride round into the 2023 draw, which is set to be announced on Thursday.
According to AAP, no pride round will be scheduled when the draw is initially released but it could be added to the season following upcoming ARLC meetings.
The introduction of a pride round to represent the LGBTQIA+ community was sparked after the Sea Eagles’ pride jersey saga.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Paulo set to miss semi-final v England | 00:31
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
The Manly club wore a rainbow-trimmed jersey in Round 20, which saw seven players stand down on religious grounds.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys revealed the implementation of a pride round is being “sorted out”.
“We were always going to look at those things in the off-season,” V’landys said.
“We have plenty of time, we have 26 rounds and we don’t start for three or four months.
“That will be discussed at the next couple of Commission meetings. There has been discussion, but no final decisions made.”
Last season’s debacle saw Des Hasler and Daly Cherry-Evans front the media to apologise for a “significant mistake made by Manly”.
From Round 20 when the Sea Eagles wore the jersey, their season was derailed and Hasler’s side slipped out of finals contention.
Meanwhile, the NRL head office along with the seven players who stood down received waves of abuse.
Prop Josh Aloiai revealed in October his family had received death threats after the pride jersey saga.
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING POINTS: DCE clinging to Kangaroos career; Roosters’ $2.3m headache
DISPUTE: Kangaroos stars accuse NRL of ‘lowballing’ players as ugly pay war drags on
TRANSFER WHISPERS: Knights join Dolphins in race for wantaway Broncos star
TRANSFER CENTRE: Cowboys lock up boom playmaker on multi-year extension
BITTER FEUD: Broncos risk losing another young gun as schoolboy sensation in tears
Wayne waxes lyrical over target Brown | 00:47
“From our end we have always said we want to respect everyone’s views,” V’landys said.
“We don’t want to get into politics. The reason people watch rugby league is to escape, they don’t watch it because you have a political persuasion.”
If the NRL does implement a pride round in 2023, players across multiple clubs could stand down, and Aloiai has already made it clear he won’t support the jersey next season.
However, V’landys is confident the LGBTQIA+ community can be celebrated without any parties being “upset”.
“We have to respect that (some people) have a different view to the rest of us,” V’landys said.
“The most important thing in my eyes is we’re all equal, it doesn’t matter what colour, what creed or sexual orientation.”
