Kotoni Staggs said his choice not to sing Australia's anthem did not diminish his gratitude or pride in representing the Kangaroos.
"I'm a proud Wirajudri boy and I'm proud of who I am and where I come from and me not singing an anthem doesn't mean that I'm not grateful," the centre said.
"I still love wearing that jersey, when the anthem is getting played you look around and get emotional. But me not singing, it's a whole different meaning to that and that's just me."
His decision came amid renewed criticism after some Australian players did not sing the anthem, with scenes involving Tonga and Samoa prompting claims of a lack of culture in Australian rugby league.
Coach Kevin Walters rejected those suggestions on SEN Radio before Australia's World Cup semi-final against Samoa, stressing the team's history and players' respect for the jersey.
"Very much so, the Australian Kangaroos have been around for over a 100 years."
"the guys are very aware of the history of the jersey."
"Who has been before them and there time now in that jersey," Walters said, responding to whether talk of culture had fired up the players.
He added that conversations over the past couple of years showed players were excited to take part and proud of their heritage and the jersey.
Five-eighth Cameron Munster had also defended the team's pride after Australia beat New Zealand, saying: "We talk about culture and other nations, but we're very proud to wear the green and gold,".
"It's something that we pride ourselves on," Munster said.