Players boycott NRL match over Pride Jersey fiasco

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler speaks to the media to apologise for the club's handling of a pride jersey launch. 

Manly coach Des Hasler has apologised on behalf of the club for the “poor” execution in unveiling a pride jersey as part of an inclusivity initiative which has resulted in a boycott by seven players.

The day after news broke that almost half the Sea Eagles team said they would not play in Thursday night’s clash against the Roosters, Hasler fronted the media and confirmed religious and cultural differences were behind the stance.