Advance Australia Fair had more attention than usual before Game 1 of State of Origin in Brisbane after a number of players said they’d boycott singing the anthem.
After a welcome to country from Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston, Indigenous players in Josh Addo-Carr, Will Chambers, Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell all took part in the silent protest for a song which they agreed ‘didn’t represent their people.’
Others including Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Napa didn’t appear to be singing when they were on screen.
The announcement caused widespread outrage in the lead up to Origin despite the fact many players have been spotted not singing the anthem since it was introduced.
The protest has sparked debate about whether the Australian national anthem should be re-worded to reflect and respect all Australians both Indigenous and non Indigenous.
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