LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Tensions are rising in the rugby league world as NRL legend Mark Carroll has thrown fuel on the fire by calling out Kangaroos players for not singing the national anthem.
In a recent clash between the Kangaroos and New Zealand, Carroll was left disappointed when he noticed a number of players choosing not to join in on the anthem-singing tradition.
Carroll, who represented Australia 12 times in his heyday, reminisced about the pride he felt when belting out the anthem before games.
"As a kid, I dreamt about playing for Australia," Carroll said.
"Just to hear that anthem, I was a (big) singer… I watch the anthem now, it disappoints me if the blokes don't sing it."
In an era where the NRL and State of Origin have become the main focus for players, some, like Carroll, feel that the Kangaroos jersey has lost its luster.
Representing your country used to be the ultimate achievement in rugby league, but now, it seems that priorities have shifted.
While Carroll and others may believe that singing the national anthem is a crucial part of honoring the jersey and the country it represents, there are those who argue that it's a non-issue.
Former Kangaroos and Wallabies player Mat Rogers summed up this sentiment last year when he said, "I'm over it, like who cares, honestly."
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain - the passion and pride of representing Australia on the rugby league field is a feeling like no other.
Whether players choose to sing the anthem or not, the spirit of the game will always remain.