Thomas Keneally on why Des Hasler’s pride jersey apology was one of footy’s greatest speeches

Famed Australian novelist Thomas Keneally believes Des Hasler’s pride jersey apology on Tuesday was the greatest speech in the history of rugby league.

Keneally, 86, who penned Schindler’s Ark – which was later adapted into Steven Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List – was gushing in his praise of the Manly Sea Eagles coach, who publicly apologised for the club’s poor handling of the rainbow jersey saga.

‘It reduces one to tears of admiration for the man,’ said Keneally, who also wrote Hasler’s biography The Utility Player. 

‘He’s got a very zen (like) demeanour these days and it’s not an artificial one. He’s at peace with the game and with himself.’

Keneally went onto state Hasler is ‘becoming a bit of a prophet who worries about the condition of the world’.

He concluded by stating Hasler’s stirring apology – made to his own players, the LGBTQI community and the 15 other NRL clubs – ‘could be one of the greatest rugby league speeches ever given’.

Famed Australian novelist Thomas Keneally (pictured) believes Des Hasler’s pride jersey apology on Tuesday was arguably the greatest speech in the history of rugby league

In extraordinary scenes, Hasler apologised to his own players, the LGBTQI community and the 15 other NRL clubs for the pride jersey controversy that has taken the gloss of Women In League round

In his emotional speech, Hasler referenced a close friend who is autistic and has ‘a heart as big as Phar Lap’.

The man in question is Dirk Melton, who has been Hasler’s ‘strategic advisor’ in recent years.

Before Hasler spoke to the media, Melton briefed the coach – a former schoolteacher – on the wider meaning of the rainbow colours.

Watching Hasler absorb that information and then produce a speech for the ages left Melton beaming with pride.

‘I felt emotional because of the importance of the message and the fact that a great man believed in my words,’ Melton told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘That Des believed it was worth communicating to the football and broader community, that meant a lot to me.’

Sean Keppie, Kieran Foran and Rueben Garrick (right) posed in the pride jerseys earlier this week – with many of their teammates only becoming aware of the club’s plans to wear the kits through the media

Melton also labelled Hasler a ‘very good human’ who always supports his players.

Prominent examples include star Sea Eagles fullback Brett Stewart through his sexual assault allegations for which he was acquitted, Bulldogs prop James Graham over a biting claim stemming from the 2012 grand final and Manly young gun Manase Fainu, who is currently before the courts on a stabbing charge.

Hasler has also pledged to support the seven Manly players – Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley – who will be criticised in some sections for refusing to wear the rainbow jersey.

Keneally also said the fact Hasler is ‘willing to blow his season on this issue’ is admirable and that the premiership-winning coach always has the ability to see ‘a big issue when it arises.’

Other notable speeches from rugby league identities include Phil Gould’s theatrical on-field, pre-game State of Origin thoughts and Roy Masters’ Fibro versus Silvertails jibe when coaching the Western Suburbs Magpies from 1978-1981.

With seven Sea Eagles players not making themselves available for selection, Hasler made wholesale team changes for Thursday’s match against the Roosters at 4 Pines Park.

Young gun Josh Schuster was one of seven Sea Eagles players who chose to boycott Thursday’s match versus the Roosters as he was not comfortable wearing a pride jersey

Fijian international Pio Seci has been named on the wing, while Alfred Smalley has been elevated from the Blacktown Workers NSW Cup team and will make his NRL debut.

Ethan Bullemor returns to first grade, with Kurt De Luis poised to start in the front row.

James Segeyaro is set for a return to NRL action for the first time since 2019, named on the bench alongside Keppie, Martin Taupau and Morgan Boyle.

Zac Fulton, grandson of the late Immortal Bob Fulton, has been named 18th man – but may force his way onto the bench to make his first grade debut.

According to Sportsbet’s head to head betting market, the Sea Eagles are rank outsiders at $5.50.