Kangaroos great disappointed with players that don’t sing Australian national anthem

Rugby league legend Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll has revealed he feels disappointed with the current crop of NRL stars that opt not to sing the national anthem when representing the Australian Kangaroos.

The debate of national pride within the sport has sparked up again recently after several of the country’s top stars pulled out of playing for Australia in the 2024 Pacific Championships.

Many have questioned if the Australian jersey has lost its meaning as the surrounding Pacific nations continue to attract their top stars to represent their country after a gruelling NRL season.

“As a kid, I dreamt about playing for Australia,” Carroll told SEN 1170 Sportsday.

“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.”

Carroll also revealed his admiration for the intensity and passion that Pacific sides show during their pre-game rituals.

“I love the Haka, the Haka is magnificent,” Carroll added.

“I love the intensity and passion of each nation, the Tongans, the Samoans and the Kiwis, it means so much to them.

“(You see) how hard they slap their legs, they have red marks on their legs when they finish.”