Mardi Gras excludes NRL over pride jersey saga

The NRL has been excluded from this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. The decision to bar the NRL is believed to be a direct consequence of the massive controversy caused by Manly's decision to wear a Pride jumper last season. The Sea Eagles' move split both fans and players, with seven players boycotting the game against the Roosters that weekend late in the 2023 season. Organisers of the Mardi Gras played down the NRL's exclusion after many years, claiming they had been inundated with applicants to be involved in the event's 45th year in 2023. "Because of this milestone year, we received a phenomenal number of parade applications, far exceeding our total capacity," organisers said.  "The NRL is committed to creating an environment of respect, equality, and inclusiveness, ensuring everyone has 'Pride in League'. 'Pride in League' represents the pride we have in our game and its people, the pride we have in the diverse backgrounds that makes up the rugby league community, and the pride we have in our ability to rise to the occasion and support our teammates. "We continue to work alongside our partners, including Pride In Sport, to assess ourselves against best practice and build an inclusive environment for people with diverse sexualities and genders in our sport. "The NRL received Bronze Award at the 2022 Pride In Sport Awards, recognising our support of the community."

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