players not singing the national anthem, Australian Kangaroos, Mal Meninga, Kotoni Staggs, Payne Haas, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo،
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has defended his players amid criticism that some failed to sing the national anthem ahead of their Pacific Championships clash against Samoa.
Former Test captain Max Krilich said “if you don’t want to sing the anthem then don’t play for the Kangaroos”, while ARL president Ken Arthurson said players must “pay this respect” and that it is “an absolute must”.
They both suggested that Meninga tell players they must sign the anthem, but he believes it is a “personal preference” and that players’ values ”must be respected”.
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“I don’t say anything (to the players), I think it’s a personal preference,” Meninga said. Triple-M.
“They grew up with certain values, certainly with their families and these values must be respected.
“I think it depends on each individual. Personally, I sing the national anthem because I am a proud Australian.
“There’s no doubt that it’s not less passionate Australians, it’s not less passionate people who want to put on the green and gold jersey… they just have a set of values that is different and I think that must be recognized and acknowledged.”
Outrage was sparked when TV cameras filmed Kangaroos stars Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo remaining silent during the national anthem ahead of Saturday’s Pacific Championships clash.
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Meninga said News Corp. On Tuesday he didn’t know why the players weren’t singing, but added that “most of these boys are Aboriginal and there’s this animosity, I suppose, around Australia Day and that sort of thing.” .
He believes Krilich and Arthurson have “the freedom to have an opinion,” but said “those players also have the freedom to make a decision.”
Meninga, however, understands – and accepts – why all four players have faced backlash given the role they play.
“Not really,” he said when asked 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 said he would not force his players to change positions.
“No, and there won’t be any (pressure) either. I should have no input or (offer) any persuasion on this issue,” Meninga said.
