The "real evil" behind the seven players boycotting Manly Sea Eagles' pride jersey is apparently "white western views" brought to Pasifika people by colonisation, Sky News host Paul Murray says.
Seven Manly Sea Eagles rugby players will sit out of Thursday night's clash with the Sydney Roosters over the club's decision to wear a special inclusive jersey.
The jersey features a rainbow trim and will be worn "to celebrate inclusiveness" during this weekend's Women in League Round.
The players expected to miss the match are citing religious and cultural reasons.
Mr Murray said a Sydney University professor specialising in Pasifika culture claims the players were citing religious beliefs stemming from "white western views" whereas Pacific culture used to be more sexually fluid prior to "colonisation".
"So in the end, the Polynesian players are not the problem � it's the missionaries who changed their mind about gender fluidity," Mr Murray said.
