OPINION:
The game between Manly Sea Eagles and Roosters was to raise money for a suicide prevention foundation, Gotcha4Life. But the harm the seven Manly players caused by standing against the rainbow jersey will far outweigh any benefit of the money raised. Isn't it ironic that the seven Manly players signed up to play for the Gotcha4Life cup to raise money for suicide prevention, but the very moment they realised they could be a part of saving queer lives too, they stood down, citing their religious beliefs?
Would God be upset with the seven Manly players if they put on a rainbow jersey and showed queer children, young people, and adults their support? I think if there is a God and if God cares about the lives of all people, they would have applauded the seven Manly players for fending for a vulnerable group. God doesn't care if you are gay or trans; being a decent human will suffice. As for these religious extremists, they have driven queer people into a life of pain, misery and death, and God will never forgive them for it.
While Manly Sea Eagles and Roosters celebrate the money they've raised for Gotcha4Life, let's spare a thought for queer people who copped a kick in the teeth from the hateful seven. In Aotearoa, young queer people are five times more likely than non-queer young people to attempt suicide. Queer people are not more likely to attempt suicide because they are queer. Queer people are more likely to attempt suicide because of how society treats them for being queer.
I did not grow up with much queer representation. The one trans woman in my village was constantly abused. As a kid, I learned this would be my reality if I decided to be my true self. I hid. I did not want to be abused. That hiding created an inner turmoil that ate away at me. Young queer people watched the seven NRL players' actions closely and learned that the world is still not accepting of who they are. Constantly pretending to be someone you aren't out of fear for your safety and for maintaining familial relationships creates a miserable life for queer people.