Players, ‘rebels’ clear air

Kieran Foran has insisted the seven Manly players who stood down for last week’s match against the Roosters rather than wear the club’s rainbow jersey will be warmly received by their team-mates and fans this weekend.

Foran on Tuesday became the first Sea Eagle to speak about the weekend peace talks between the players. The veteran five-eighth admitted tensions were running high after Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley objected to the jersey on religious and cultural grounds.

Their refusal to play in the crucial game against the Roosters sparked a nationwide debate over inclusivity and rugby league’s attitude towards the LGBTQ community.

Manly lost to the Sydney Roosters 20-10 with a host of debutants and inexperienced players in their lineup, and Foran said the players needed to bury their differences quickly if they were to salvage their season.

After lock forward Jake Trbojevic met with Aloiai on Sunday, a large group of players came together later in the day at the club’s Brookvale HQ to clear the air.

‘‘Last week felt so rushed, there were so many things said, so Sunday was a good opportunity to park those differences and move forward,’’ Foran said.

‘‘It was great to speak and start the week fresh. When you can respect each other’s position, it’s actually quite easy to put your differences aside and come together. At the end of the day we’re footy players, so let’s get on and play footy. That’s as simple as it gets.’’

The seven players were told to stay at home last Thursday for fear they would be subjected to abuse by their own fans at 4 Pines Park.

But Foran tipped those same supporters to show only love for the returning players when Manly’s season goes on the line against Parramatta tomorrow night.