NRL rules OUT staging a Pride Round during the 2023 season after Manly Sea Eagles fiasco

The NRL has opted not to introduce a Pride Round for the 2023 season after announcing the same themed rounds as the past campaign.

Speculation surrounding the first-ever Pride Round was rife last November when ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys remained tight-lipped on the subject at the 2023 draw.

However, the ABC reports that the NRL has stuck to the same themed rounds as 2022, with the subject of a Pride Round remaining difficult for the league.

Last year, seven Manly players boycotted the club’s rainbow jersey designed for the Women in League round.

Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn urged the NRL to introduce a league-wide Pride Round in the wake of the saga, amid reports that other NRL clubs could introduce a rainbow jersey this year.

The NRL has since reportedly considered staging a Respect Round, which would advocate the acceptance of the views of all. 

‘We are dealing with the themed rounds as we go through the season. We’re not expecting to make any changes,’ V’landys said.

‘Our focus now is on the Multicultural Round, and you will see the other rounds unfold as we move through the season.’

The themed rounds for the 2023 season will be: Multicultural, Indigenous, Women’s, Anzac and Brain Cancer.