NRL chief executive Dave Smith has backed the decision of some of rugby league’s indigenous players to perform Aboriginal war dances this round in support of AFL star Adam Goodes.
In a united stand against racism across sporting codes, three-time Dally M medallist Johnathan Thurston has already pledged to enact an indigenous routine should he score a try for North Queensland against Canberra on Saturday.
Australian representative Greg Inglis, who has played in all three of the NRL’s Indigenous All Stars fixtures, is also ready to join in on the celebrations.
Goodes was granted indefinite leave by the Sydney Swans on Wednesday as he struggles to deal with the barrage of booing he has copped from crowds in recent months.
Smith took to social media to declare the NRL’s stance against racism.
“So proud of GI and JT for supporting @adamroy37 Inclusiveness is crucial to our success as a game and our standing as a nation,” he tweeted.
Rabbitohs players on Thursday said they would throw their support behind their skipper if Inglis performs an Aboriginal dance in Sunday’s match against Penrith.
“I’ll support whatever Greg does,” centre Dylan Walker said.