By Andrew Webster
The National Rugby League has answered a call from former international Ian Roberts to endorse same-sex marriage.
Roberts, the former Souths, Manly and Cowboys prop who came out publicly during the 1990s, wrote a letter to chief executive Todd Greenberg last week, imploring him not to "miss this moment in history".
After being approached by former player Ian Roberts, the NRL is supporting same-sex marriage.Credit: Kate Geraghty
Greenberg responded on Friday, saying he recognised the right of all Australians to make their own decision on how to vote in the poll, which begins next Tuesday when ballots are mailed to millions of households.
"But one of the key pillars of rugby league is inclusiveness – and the game has a duty to back up its policy with action," Greenberg said. "There is a place for everyone in rugby league. It might be as a junior, as a volunteer, as a match official or as an NRL player. And we need to treat everyone equally both on and off the field and that's why we will publicly support the same-sex marriage proposal."
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan declared his code's support for marriage equality in 2014. A score of AFL players have throughout this year also individually pledged their support.
In the past year, several leading rugby league players, including Souths fullback Greg Inglis and Sharks prop Andrew Fifita, have supported the cause.
But Greenberg's stance is a first for the governing body.
"I had tears in my eyes when I read the response," Roberts told Fairfax Media. "I have had four friends commit suicide because they have struggled with who they are. This isn't just about marriage. It's about saving lives and telling young people that they are OK. There is nothing wrong with them. Rugby league has the power to do that because so many people watch it and love it and I'm proud that Todd and the league have taken this step."
Roberts made a tentative approach to the NRL some weeks ago but the lack of response suggested to him the issue was too political and divisive for the league and Greenberg to get involved.
Frustrated, he emailed Greenberg directly just as the High Court was hearing a legal challenge to the postal vote.
"As you know, I came out publicly 25 years ago," Roberts wrote. "The ARL failed to make the most of that moment. They could have been on the front foot, leading the way for all sporting bodies, and not just sporting bodies but for all major corporations. The ARL chose to ignore that opportunity because it was an awkward conversation to be having back in 1994.
"It's not awkward any longer – it is a necessary one. I don't want the game I love to again miss this moment in history. This is about being brave. It's about doing the right thing. It's about saving lives because that's the power our game has. It is a game for everyone.
"Rugby league has been so strong in breaking down barriers and raising awareness about many issues, whether it's to do with indigenous Australians or domestic violence against women. It can be the leader again."
Earlier this year, Roberts cautiously agreed to appear on the NRL's float at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
In an interview with Fairfax Media, he said he was reluctant to participate if the game was just trying to "tick a box" like many other large corporations.
"It's one thing to have a float in the Mardi Gras parade but this is different," Roberts wrote to Greenberg. "So I'm appealing to you to take control and show the NRL it legitimately takes pride in supporting same-sex marriage. As I said, that it's a game for everyone."