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Toby Rudolf appreciation thread

Special K

Special K

Coach
Messages
19,584
What a legend. A young fella reached out to him after his comments saying he had been shunned by his family but that Toby's comment helped him not take his own life. Had to edit it to get it to fit the post limit... Looks weird - sorry

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/335b824476c84c4f9cd07c72474910e1

Sharks enforcer Toby Rudolf has encouraged the NRL to introduce a pride round — and revealed the “powerful” messages he received after he threw his support behind the LGBTQIA+ community.
The 26-year-old was one of the loudest voices in championing for the marginalised community during the wake of the pride jersey saga in 2022.
Seven players stood down after the Sea Eagles introduced a rainbow-trimmed kit for their Round 20 clash against the Roosters and Rudolf spoke openly about his own life experiences

“What I will say is I was raised by quite a few gay and lesbian community members. My uncle is gay and my godmother is gay, and there’s so much love in that community,” Rudolf said to the SMH.
“Sexuality is very fluid. I’ve been out and kissed many gay men, kissed many straight women and kissed many gay women.”
Following his public support of the LGBTQIA+ community, the front rower told Foxsports.com.au he was astounded how many people were touched by his comments.
“I had so many people reach out to me, with some really really heartfelt messages that I couldn’t believe,” Rudolf said to Foxsports.com.au.
“So if I can just do that to a few people, a whole community getting behind it, and sport getting behind it, it will do wonders for that entire community.”
Rudolf also revealed his comments even saved the life of a young member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Without getting too personal with some of them, I do remember there was one kid that was saying that his family had just completely shunned him,” Rudolf said.
“It was my comments that sort of kept him from taking his own life, honestly, that was one of the messages he sent.
“That was powerful for me, I am one front rower in a team, who doesn’t score too many tries, isn’t too popular.
“But if you can get an entire sport behind it, it promotes the positivity and it will create it.”
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has since revealed discussions will take place surrounding a pride round for 2023.
As it stands, no pride round has been scheduled for the upcoming season, but was set to be discussed in ARLC meetings in November last year according to AAP.
Rudolf was steadfast in his beliefs that the yearly event will do “wonders” for the community.
“Of course (a pride round should be introduced),” Rudolf said.
“Obviously last year there was just a breakdown in communication between Manly and whatever happened there, not that I know the ins and outs of it.
“I can’t see how it wouldn’t be a good thing, putting that out there to the community, rugby league obviously, with the likes of Ian Roberts, the first gay open athlete in Australia I am pretty sure.
“I think it will do wonders for the game, wonders for the community.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
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shaggs

shaggs

Coach
Messages
11,165
Is it really necessary to force an entire club or sport to advertise how woke they are?

How about you treat people the way you want to be treated.

I’m not keen on the club enforcing any kind of jersey or badge. But if a player wants to wear it then great.

The NHL did a round last week. Anyone see how Ivan Provorov didnt wear the jersey? His club stuck by him and his choice to not wear it. Let him play and moved on. This is how it should be done.
BTW, all stock of his jersey sold out within 24 hours of this stance.
 
Frenzy.

Frenzy.

Post Whore
Messages
51,440
crazy pineapple said:
i doubt this subject would divide our club at all.

it only affected manly because the club is broken
Click to expand...

If a full pride round is introduced it actually has the potential do divide the entire league.

With the very large representation of Polynesians who are mostly christian or mormon with extreme views on the subject the NRL should announce it yes or no NOW so clubs can plan. This was Manly's downfall, no planning
 
Special K

Special K

Coach
Messages
19,584
Seriously all footy stuff aside for a 27 year old bloke with no kids to come in contact with a sick kid/family and put all this energy into raising money for the issue it is insane. I've got two young girls - one loves the sharkies, one way too young. I can't imagine how I'd be if they were sick like this. Seeing the young girl in a sharkies jersey sing up, up cronulla with no hair broke me. Toby stepping up for no reason but to raise help is incredible.

I don't believe in god(more power to you if you do not judging) but I believe in karma. Toby is a tremendous bloke based on his acts of giving a shit for others. Can't stand woke stuff but gay, straight, oblong or sick who gives a f**k as a life is a life especially a sharks fan! IMO just don't bash peoples ear about your stance as you will lose them and waste energy. However I really hope karma goes Toby way and the glimpses of talent we see become more of the normal. If he can take the step up and become a rep player a lot changes for us. Regardless - if we do a charity auction for his jersey this year I will kick it off at 2k. I'll forgive and support this bloke wearing our colours regardless of performance because of the influence he brings as a person to our club every day.
 
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J

jc155776

Coach
Messages
13,695
Can't punch the like button hard enough on K's post.

Toby is all about treating people well, thinking of others and being happy. His effect on the club goes beyond just mere on field performance. Very happy he never went to the Warriors.
 
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