Kangaroos centre Kotoni Staggs says he’s a proud Australian who means no harm by not singing the anthem which has yet again managed to upset people during the Rugby League World Cup.
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Jillaroos players have been attacked by some sections for not singing while also proudly draping the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags during the anthem.
They have explained how the three flags all mean something different to the players who are proud of their culture and want to show it off on the big stage.
Staggs is one of several Indigenous players over the years who have chosen not to sing before international and State of Origin fixtures.
And while the criticism is there, it’s not affecting the players or influencing how they feel.
“I don’t really look at that kind of stuff. I believe in what I believe in, and that’s just me,” Staggs said.
“There are a lot of people that talk differently and have different opinions. I can only control what I can control, and the rest is not in my hands.”
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Past trauma has influenced Staggs’ anthem stance, but his decision not to sing doesn’t diminish how proud he is to pull on the famous green and gold jersey.
“I’m a proud Wiradjuri boy and I’m proud of who I am and where I come from, and me not singing an anthem doesn’t mean that I’m not grateful.
“I still love wearing that jersey. When the anthem is getting played you look around and get emotional.
“But me not singing, it’s a whole different meaning to that and that’s just me.”
“(Obviously from what happened) in the past, I’ve just learnt from that,” he said.
“You also talk to your elders from back home and grandparents and stuff (and understand) what they had to go through so it’s more of a respect for my elders and my family.
“I’m a proud Australian as well. But at the end of the day, it’s just something that I’ve lived by, and (there’s) no harm in it. It doesn’t take anything away from the jersey I wear.”
Broncos and Kangaroos’ teammate Pat Carrigan hopes the issue can lead to constructive conversations outside of footy that will help Australian society heal.
“As sportspeople, there’s a focus on us as role models,” Carrigan said.
“But it probably points to a greater conversation for us to have as a society outside of football and about the reason why the boys feel the way about the anthem and perhaps our history as a country too.
“I know that each and every boy here is proud to pull on the green and gold.
“While people may say it’s represented in singing an anthem, I love Australia and I’m proud to pull on this jersey and I love running out with these guys too.
“I think it’s a unique opportunity in sport that we get to be role models and voice opinions on different things and maybe that’s a way for us to look at ourselves as a country and how we can continue to come together.”