NRL rules out hosting a Pride Round during 2023 season after Manly Sea Eagles fiasco
BREAKING NEWS: NRL rules out hosting a Pride Round during the 2023 season as officials avert another massive walkout after seven Manly stars refused to play last year
The NRL has opted not to introduce a Pride Round for the 2023 season after announcing the same themed rounds as the previous campaign.
Speculation surrounding the first-ever Pride round was rife last November when ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys remained tight-lipped during the 2023 draw.
However, the ABC reports that the NRL is sticking to the same themed rounds as 2022, with the subject of a Pride Round remaining difficult for the league.
Last year, seven Manly players boycotted the club’s rainbow jersey designed for the Women in League round.
Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn urged the NRL to introduce a league-wide Pride Round in the wake of the saga amid reports that other NRL clubs could introduce a rainbow jersey this year.
The NRL will not host a Pride Round in the 2023 season, the ABC reports
ARL Committee boss Peter V’landys says the same theme rounds will apply this year
The NRL has since reportedly considered organizing a respect round, which would advocate acceptance of everyone’s views.
‘We are working on the theme rounds during the season. We do not expect to make any changes,” said V’landys.
“Our focus is now on the multicultural round, and you’ll see the other rounds unfold as we move forward in the season.”
The themed rounds for the 2023 season are: Multicultural, Indigenous, Women, Anzac and Brain Cancer.