LIVE: Roberts rips lack of progress a year after pride jersey saga

Twelve months on from the Manly pride jersey saga, club great Ian Roberts believes little has changed.

The boycott of the jersey for the round 19 clash on July 28 against Roosters virtually ended the Sea Eagles’ season, slumping to seven straight losses which cost them a finals spot.

But a year on, Roberts – still the only openly gay player to have ever played in the NRL – said he had felt like the discussions around diversity and inclusion in the NRL was “back to square one at best”.

“I don’t like being the spokesman on all this, but I guess someone has to say something and say it like it is,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“A year down the track and I really have to wonder why I stuck my neck out on it at all. I am really disappointed in the lack of progress that has been made in this area by the game.

“It’s back to square one at best. It may be worse because we went through the entire conversation and the Manly club went through so much and what has changed? Where is a pride round?

“The lack of action in that area is a real kick in the guts for anyone who was impacted by what the game went through. The game is clearly afraid of offending its religious players, and I know there are a lot of them. But their view counts for more [than others].”

“What message does this send to sports stars or the average person who is struggling with their sexuality or struggling for acceptance? There was talk of a respect round; that’s not something I’d endorse ahead of a pride round that is all about inclusion for everyone.

“It’s upsetting that I have to keep talking about this, but I suppose I feel a sense of responsibility because if I don’t, who will?

“I feel like there is far greater acceptance in the women’s game, so my message to men who are still living in a world where they are treated differently for being gay is simple – don’t let the haters get to you, and live your life.”