Poll Finds Majority Want Athletes to Sing Anthem

A survey of over 13,000 people follows recent controversy regarding anthem participation at the Rugby League World Cup.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Other Sports

Poll Finds Majority Want Athletes to Sing Anthem

Live Poll

Should Australian athletes be required to sing the national anthem before representing their country?

A news.com.au poll reveals that 75 percent of 13,000 respondents believe athletes should sing the national anthem before matches. This follows reports of Kangaroos and Jillaroos players choosing not to sing the anthem during the Rugby League World Cup.

Why it matters

The survey results highlight a significant divide in public opinion concerning sports and national identity. The ongoing debate was furthered by former player Laurie Daley, who confirmed he also declined to sing the anthem during his own international career.

The poll included 13,000 participants, with 5 percent identifying the anthem itself as the issue and 2 percent opposing its inclusion before games.

The players

Laurie Daley

A former professional rugby league player who confirmed he did not sing the national anthem during his 21-game international career.

Jimmy Smith

A commentator who publicly defended the rights of athletes to abstain from singing the anthem.

Kangaroos

The Australian national men's rugby league team that has faced scrutiny for not participating in the singing of the national anthem.

Jillaroos

The Australian national women's rugby league team whose members were observed not singing the anthem during the World Cup.

The details

Cameras captured athletes from the Kangaroos and Jillaroos teams remaining silent during the anthem at the Rugby League World Cup. Former player Laurie Daley, who played 21 international games, revealed he similarly chose not to sing during his career in the 1990s.

1990s: Kangaroos players did not sing the national anthem.
1994: Period during which Kangaroos players notably refrained from singing.
Last week: Kangaroos players did not sing at the World Cup.
20 October 2026: Jimmy Smith defended the right of athletes to choose not to sing.
21 October 2026: Laurie Daley discussed his personal history regarding the anthem.

Season Trajectory

This public discourse mirrors past cultural tensions seen during the 1990s Kangaroos tour of England. The current debate challenges expectations for professional athletes and influences how the public engages with national sports representations.

The poll data indicates that 75 percent of the public expects singing, contrasting with the practice of individual athletes like Laurie Daley. This divergence creates a clear gap between player autonomy and the expectations of a majority of the sporting audience.

The takeaway

Public sentiment largely favours singing the anthem, though history suggests the practice of abstaining is not new in Australian rugby. Athletes and fans continue to navigate the intersection of individual choice and national representation during international competitions.