'I don't think this is a political issue,' Mr V'landys said. He conceded the Sea Eagles should have consulted the team more collaboratively but said players have a choice. But the game will always be there for everyone.' 'If you don't want to be inclusive and you don't want recognise we're all human beings and we're all the same, you've got the right to stand down. Everyone knows it's the greatest game for all,' he argued. 'Everyone knows the position of the game. Mr V'landys denied suggestions the boycotting players are being excluded for not being inclusive. Manly wingers Jason Saab (left) and Christian Tuipulotu (right) are among the players who oppose wearing the jersey on religious grounds 'But as far as the game is concerned, we pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming everybody, no matter their race, colour or sexual orientation.' 'Those players are taking a stand and they've got every right to – they've got freedoms to do so. But at the same time you have to respect people's religious beliefs and cultural beliefs. 'Rugby league is the greatest game for all. 'We're all human beings at the end of the day.' 'The game prides itself on treating everyone as a human being, no matter what their race, colour or sexual orientation,' V'Landys told 2GB's Ben Fordham on Tuesday. He respected the players' decision, despite expressing his disappointment. It is important that in Australian society we respect everyone for who they are,' he told reporters on Tuesday.ĪRLC chairman Peter V'landys later downplayed the latest off-field saga. It's a good thing that sport is more inclusive. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for the saga to be resolved. KIIS FM breakfast hosts Kyle and Jackie 0 weighed into the controversial debate on Tuesday morning, saying they didn't believe religion was the real issue.Īustralian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys has since downplayed the saga, telling 2GB's Ben Fordham he respects the players' decisions but doesn't think it's a political issue. 'Of the seven players who are refusing to wear the jersey, at least three now have had a bit of a change of heart and are considering wearing the pride jersey for this upcoming round,' reporter Michelle Bishop told Channel 7's Sunrise on Tuesday morning. It has since emerged three players have changed their mind and will play this week following an emergency meeting. Their decision has sparked an outpouring of public outrage, including from their own fans and club legends, while others have supported their freedom of religious beliefs. But star players Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau'atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley refused to run out wearing the 'inclusive' jersey. saying that wearing it would be against their religious beliefs.