Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has defended his gamers amid criticism over some not singing the nationwide anthem earlier than their Pacific Championships conflict with Samoa.
Former Test captain Max Krilich declared “if you don’t want to sing the anthem then don’t play for the Kangaroos,” whereas ARL chair Ken Arthurson stated the gamers must “pay that respect” and it’s “an absolute must.”
They each prompt that Meninga ought to inform the gamers they’re required to signal the anthem, nevertheless he believes it’s “personal preference” and the gamers’ values “have got to be respected.”
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“I don’t say anything (to the players), I think it’s personal preference,” Meninga advised Triple M.
“They’ve grown up with certain values, certainly with their families and those values have got to be respected.
“I think it’s up to the individual. I personally sing the national anthem because I’m a proud Australian.
“There’s no doubt that they’re not less passionate Australians, they’re not less passionate people that want to put the green and gold jersey on… they’ve just got a value set that’s different and I think that needs to be recognised and acknowledged.”
The outrage was sparked when TV cameras picked up Kangaroos stars Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo staying silent through the nationwide anthem earlier than Saturday’s Pacific Championships conflict.
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Meninga advised News Corp on Tuesday that he doesn’t know why the gamers didn’t sing however added “most of those boys are Indigenous and there is that animosity, I guess, around Australia Day and those sort of things.”
He believes the likes of Krilich and Arthurson have “freedom to have an opinion” however stated “these players also have the freedom to make a decision too.”
Meninga, nevertheless, understands — and accepts — why the 4 gamers obtained backlash given the position they’re in.
“Not really,” he stated when requested if the criticism was unfair,
“Everyone has an opinion. They are public figures and everyone has assumptions without even knowing the situation, and that can be very difficult.”
But he declared he won’t drive his gamers to alter their stance.
“No, and there won’t be (pressure) either. I shouldn’t have any input or (offer) any persuasion on this matter,” Meninga stated.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
