Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has defended his players amid criticism over some not singing the national anthem before their Pacific Championships clash with Samoa.
Former Test captain Max Krilich declared “if you don’t want to sing the anthem then don’t play for the Kangaroos,” while ARL chair Ken Arthurson said the players need to “pay that respect” and it’s “an absolute must.”
They both suggested that Meninga should tell the players they are required to sign the anthem, however he believes it’s “personal preference” and the players’ 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 told 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 during the national anthem before Saturday’s Pacific Championships clash.
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Meninga told News Corp on Tuesday that he doesn’t know why the players didn’t sing but 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” but said “these players also have the freedom to make a decision too.”
Meninga, however, understands — and accepts — why the four players received backlash given the role they are in.
“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 declared he will not force his players to change their stance.
“No, and there won’t be (pressure) either. I shouldn’t have any input or (offer) any persuasion on this matter,” Meninga said.
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