Vanessa Foliaki and Karina Brown. | Photo: @nessfoliaki / Instagram
The National Rugby League (NRL) had the best response to a homophobic troll who expressed disgust over a same-sex kiss last night (22 June).
Vanessa ‘Ness’ Foliaki and Karina Brown have been dating since 2014 but last night, they played in opposing teams in the State of Origin match.
The State of Origin is a mini rugby league tournament where the Australian states of New South Wales and Queensland go head-to-head.
New South Wales won 16-10, but it’s what happened after the match that’s causing controversy.
Love always wins ❤💙#Origin #OurWay pic.twitter.com/yqQEq0dXPH
— Women’s Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) 22 June 2018
Foliaki and Brown shared a cute kiss, then the NRL posted a photo of it to social media.
They posted the photo to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the caption: ‘Love always wins #OurWay’
‘Keep it off the field’
The posts attracted mainly positive responses, but one commenter wasn’t happy at all.
He replied: ‘There would be public outrage if two blokes kissed exactly like that after an Origin.
‘Keep that crap to the dressing shed or at home. We don’t care if you are partners, girlfriends, lovers etc good luck to you, do what ever you want, no discrimination or judgement here just keep it off the field and let your football do the talking.
‘Bad move NRL, there may be young girls coming through put off by this,’ he added.
And then in response, the official NRL account wrote: ‘Hey Matt, welcome to 2018… can’t wait for you to join us!’
And when the light went down and the crowds began to disperse, there was just Karina Brown and Vanessa Foliaki. Love it love. My game is for everyone. 🌈❤ pic.twitter.com/RdHTizbbHU
— LadiesWhoLeague (@LadiesWhoLeague) 22 June 2018
Another person replied: ‘Already sexualising the women’s league, one step forward three steps back.’
To which the NRL clapped back: ‘If we can post a [photo] of Cooper Cronk and his wife Tara kissing, then we can share a photo of Karina Brown and Ness Foliaki sharing a moment too.’
The NRL has a recent history of supporting LGBTI rights.
Controversy erupted last year when the NRL announced Macklemore as the headlining performer for the grand final match.
This was during the time of the same-sex marriage plebiscite vote and Macklemore sang hit-song Same Love, which caused a stir around the country.
The NRL also officially backed the Yes campaign for the marriage equality public vote.
