‘Didn’t hurt me’: Manly players ‘rock solid’ as Walker reveals impact of pride jersey saga – Fox Sports
Sea Eagles utility Dylan Walker, who has two brothers who are gay, has revealed the pride jersey saga that engulfed the club “didn’t hurt me”.
Considering Walker’s close links with the LGBTQIA community, many would expect the 27-year-old to have ill-feeling towards the seven players who stood down.
Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olaka’uatu Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley refused to wear the club’s rainbow-trimmed pride jersey reportedly causing a split in the dressing room.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The Sea Eagles lost their crucial Round 20 clash against the Roosters without the group and in the process damaged their finals chances.
But Walker insists the playing group has been “rock solid” questioning how you can be angry with anyone for standing up for “something you believe in”.
“In the last few weeks, the playing group has been rock solid,” Walker said to The Daily Telegraph.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of the ‘Pride boys’ — I have two gay brothers, including one who is transitioning to become a girl, but it didn’t hurt me.
“It was such an important game in our season, but if you are going to stand for something you believe in, how can you be angry with them for that?
“They (My brothers) weren’t angry at all. They said, ‘if you’re representing, we’re sweet’. If you’re a good person, which they all are, I can’t be angry with them.”
Sea Eagles chief executive Tony Mestrov echoed Walker’s opinion — claiming their poor form has not been influenced by a reported split within the club.
“From our point of view, there is not a split,” Mestrov said.
“We are not where we want to be on the field at the moment but the players are saying they have moved on.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘JUDGMENT CALL’: Debate rages as Bunker changes ‘black and white’ obstruction
‘SO RIGHTEOUS’: Tallis calls for Souths to target Panthers amid Arrow-Leniu feud
BIDDING WAR: Kevvie’s cheeky reply to Munster question as Storm vow to go ‘all out’
CONFIRMED: Sydney keeps the GF… for now as ‘Super Bowl’ concept emerges
“They had dinner (together) last week. We are just not playing well. That other stuff is over.”
Meanwhile, following Manly bowing out of the finals race, the microscope has been firmly placed on coach Des Hasler.
The veteran boss reportedly has a clause in his contract that would trigger an extension if his side made finals in 2022.
But now Hasler will be under pressure to keep his job past 2023 — with reports suggesting political factions within the club are unhappy with how much power he has.
Members of the Manly seven have also recently come under fire for their public support of Mnaise Fainu following his conviction for the stabbing a Mormon church leader.
Walker again threw his support behind gun youngsters Haumole Olakau’atu and Josh Schuster, along with prop Josh Aloiai, who made gestures of support.
“Haumole and Nas, they’ve been best mates since they were little kids,” Walker told reporters on Thursday.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“I would interpret that (symbol) into something completely different to someone else that wouldn’t be a part of that close-knit group. I hate to say it, but an audience that doesn’t quite get it would be the right words to say. I think that’s just Haumole showing his support behind him and he needs it because for the last few weeks we talk about mental health and all these kinds of things.
“This is a kid that was touted to be the next superstar and turns have taken the wrong way for him. I think as a playing group, we’re showing as much support as we can. Haumole, all he did was show his support. Manase is a wonderful kid, he’s happy. It sucks to see it go down that path.”