Daley defends players from anthem backlash as old footage emerges

Laurie Daley has defended players who choose not to sing the national anthem, as footage emerges of past Australian stars staying silent.

In one of the major talking points from the first weekend of Rugby League World Cup action, some players from both the Kangaroos and Jillaroos have copped criticism due to their decision not to sign loudly and proudly pre-game, compared to some of their rivals from nations like Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand.

Kangaroos players during the national anthem. Getty Images

It has become a lingering talking point every time the green and gold outfit take the field, despite many within the game unfazed and no rules in place that forces players to sing the anthem if they don’t want to.

Speaking on Sky Sports Radio’s The Big Sports Breakfast, former Australian star and NSW Blues coach Daley explained why he doesn’t have a problem with the players’ stance. He reflected on the fact that players from his era also didn’t all sing the anthem with gusto during his playing days.

“Why do you have to sing the anthem to feel passionate about your country? I never sang the anthem, I just didn’t wanna sing the anthem,” Daley said.

“That doesn’t make me not proud of Australia, I just didn’t feel the urge to sing it. I was very proud, I was very happy to represent Australia, but I just wasn’t a singer.

“I don’t see an issue with it if people don’t want to sing it. I don’t see an issue with it being non-patriotic because they don’t sing it, I think it’s just their choice.

“I don’t see that massive of an issue with it.”

Daley’s comments come after a clip of himself, among other Aussie players, not singing the anthem during a match against Great Britain.

Steve Renouf, Andrew Ettingshausen and Brad Fittler also notably stood silent during the 35-second video shared on social media.

In last week’s tournament opener, Reece Walsh shed tears during the national anthem as he represented the Kangaroos for the first time on home soil.

Australia will play Fiji in their second RLWC group stage game on Sunday.