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They have remained tightlipped since the controversial pride jersey saga in July but members of the Manly Seven are finally starting to speak about the incident to thank coach Des Hasler but are not willing to explain their motivations.
Tongan duo Tolatau Koula and Haumole Olakau’atu have spoken from team camp at the World Cup while Josh Schuster, who opted out of representing Samoa at the tournament in the UK to concentrate on getting in shape for next season, have spoken publicly for the first time about the drama.
The trio, along with teammates Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Toff Sipley and Christian Tuipulotu, refused to line up for the Sea Eagles in a crucial Round 20 clash with the Roosters at Brookvale due to their personal beliefs following the club’s decision to run out in an “inclusivity jersey” which featured rainbow colours as a show of respect to LGBTQIA+ communities.
Schuster was interviewed by Channel 9 on Thursday and said he had no regrets about what went down.
“It was a difficult period, but I guess I put my faith and personal beliefs first,” he said while saying “yeah, definitely” when asked if he had no regrets.
Josh Schuster of the Sea Eagles makes a break. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
When asked about Hasler’s abrupt dismissal, he added: “It actually shocked me a bit.
“He still talks to me here and there just to make sure I’m still training and stuff. But the main focus is he wants me to get ready for pre-season. I think throughout his whole coaching [career], his main aspect is player welfare. He cares about the person.”
Koula has thanked Des Hasler for his support throughout the saga which marked the beginning of the end for the veteran mentor’s second stint as Manly coach.
Hasler was sacked last week in the aftermath of a disastrous season finale at the Sea Eagles that was punctuated by the introduction of the “everyone in league jersey”.
Delivered poorly by the club administration and without consultation with the players, it caused a firestorm and the team did not recover, slumping to 11th place on the back of a seven-game losing streak.
Christian Tuipulotu celebrates a try with Tolu Koula. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
The controversy had a domino effect, leading to Hasler’s swift exit last week.
At the time Hasler sought to portion blame to the club’s hierarchy for their ineffective communication and Koula said it had endeared him even more to the squad.
“Des backing us boys in our decision was pretty special, just to know that he had our backs, that’s another reason why it’s so sad to see him go,” the fullback said from the Tongan camp in St Helens. “He’s so loyal to us.
“Dessie will do anything for us boys and I’m sure all the boys will do anything for him too. What happened happened, and I’m sure us as a seven will probably speak about it together. But at the moment the focus is on here with Tonga.”
While Koula politely declined to expand on his reasoning for making himself unavailable, the 20-year-old said the incoming Manly coach would find a united dressing room.
“I think with everything that’s happened, it’s brought all of us closer together,” he said. “There’s been a lot of noise, the main thing was trying to block out that noise and not let it affect us. It was all pretty crazy.”
Olakau’atu, meanwhile, refused to comment when asked by AAP if the stance of the seven players had cost Hasler his job.
Olakau’atu said he had deleted his social media accounts after his stance on the jersey came to light and said he was “gutted” Hasler had been axed.
“I sent him a text after seeing everything that happened all over the socials,” Olakau’atu said. “I just said I was gutted for him, sad that he was leaving and wishing him all the best.”
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