A rainbow-colored jersey meant to promote the LGBT ideology has been rejected by seven Australian rugby league players who withdrew from a match rather than wear the article of clothing that offended their faith.
Sky News reported the players are from the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, based in Sydney, Australia. The seven players said they would not wear the jersey based on religious and cultural grounds.
The report explained the team, without consulting the players, got the jerseys with rainbow logos replacing the previously white stripe and collar on the ordinary jersey.
“Coach Des Hasler defended the players, saying the club was at fault for not properly consulting them,” the report explained.
The seven players are Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley. They were not even given the choice of wearing the standard jersey, because under National Rugby League rules, all players on a team must dress alike.
The coach told reporters he accepted the players’ decision. He said, “These young men are strong in their beliefs and their convictions and we will give them the space and the support they require.”
The team didn’t even bother to let the players know of its social-ideology advocacy before it boasted of the new jerseys to the media.
The coach said, “Sadly, the execution of what was intended to be an extremely important initiative was poor. There was little consultation or collaboration between key stakeholders, both inside and outside the club.”
Hasler said the intent was to provide support for “all diverse groups,” but the poor management of the situation caused “confusion, discomfort and pain for many people.”
The Christian Institute reported Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans “warned other clubs not to force players to back specific causes.”
While team owner Scott Penn claimed that the seven players would be open to wearing the rainbow jersey in the future, if properly consulted, a representative of the players said that’s nonsense.
The players will not “backflip on religious beliefs,” the spokesman said, and suggestions they would cave to LGBT pressure was “totally untrue.”
The Institute reported, “Rev. Dr. Ma’afu Palu from the Tongan Evangelical Wesleyan Church said he was ‘very proud’ of the players’ stand. ‘Christianity takes a very strong root in our people,’ he explained. ‘Whatever the Bible says is very authoritative to us.’”
A similar exhibition of courage appeared in the United States earlier in the year, when five Tampa Bay Rays baseball players refused to be forced to promote the LGBT lifestyle choices.
Article by Bob Unruh cross-posted from our news partners at WND News Center.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
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The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
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If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
I can assure Mr. Penn that no “proper consultation” from him will ever come close to outweighing the Word of Almighty God.
Amen!