Latrell Mitchell blasts Max Krilich،
Latrell Mitchell has slammed rugby league legend Max Krilich over the former Australian Test captain’s call for players to be banned for failing to sing the national anthem.
A storm erupted this week when four Australian players were seen silent as the national anthem was played ahead of their Pacific Championships victory over Samoa at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
The divisive act by NRL stars Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo has sparked a backlash in some circles, with Krilich among the high-profile figures calling for them to step down from representing the country.
Watch every match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup live on Kayo Sports. Starts THURSDAY 6 OCT 7:30 p.m. AEDT. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
Rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston said earlier this week that players had every right not to sing the national anthem – especially after the proposal for an Indigenous voice in Parliament was rejected in a landslide referendum on Saturday.
Mitchell has now added his voice to the criticism leveled at Krilich and other social commentators.
The Rabbitohs superstar shared the comments Krilich made as reported by news.com.au on his Instagram Stories and sent a clear message about his stance.
“One in all,” he said? “Wrote Mitchell.
“Well, make a song that includes indigenous people.
“Maybe change the date [of Australia Day]? Or, I don’t even know a voice to hear?
Mitchell also shared an image of Cobbo that included a note that it was “hard to be heard when you don’t have a voice.”
Previously, Cobbo and his silent teammates were supported by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga.
Kangaroos coach Meninga also supported his players whether they chose to sing or not.
“They grew up with certain values, certainly with their families and those values need to be respected,” Meninga told Triple M radio on Monday.
“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.”
The most powerful comments were made by Thurston at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame event in Sydney on Monday.
The Australian Rugby League Commission decided in 2020 not to play the national anthem before the All Stars match on the Gold Coast after discussions with Indigenous players, and Thurston doesn’t think that should be an issue now .
“I know the Indigenous All Stars did not sing the anthem and did not want the anthem played at those matches earlier in the year, and that was a decision they made as as a collective group,” he said.
“I don’t know exactly which players didn’t sing the anthem this time, but it’s their belief and their personal decision.
“Just as the nation voted in the referendum, they are also allowed to do whatever they want.
“Even though you might not like it, it’s their decision.”
Krilich, meanwhile, took clear offense, saying: “If you don’t want to sing the anthem, then don’t play for the Kangaroos.” It bothers me when they stand there staring like stunned mules during the national anthem.
“It’s about showing respect for our country’s national anthem. It’s an all-in-one, so if you don’t want to sing the song, you’re out.
“Mal should go in there and say if you want to represent the great Australian jumper then go out, open your mouth and sing the anthem.”
Australia have a week off at the Pacific Championships before facing the Kiwis the following weekend.
