More than 12,000 fans turned out to show their support for Manly after a controversial week over the pride jersey.

Seven Sea Eagles players refused to take the field and wear the pride jersey’s in the side’s loss to the Roosters.

The match was played for the Gotcha4Life Cup, raising money supporting mental health.

Gotcha4Life founder Gus Worland told Ben Fordham he spoke with gay NRL icon Ian Roberts on the night.

“He said ‘we’ve started a conversation, we’ve got to make sure we finish it now’.

“He feels safe within Manly to have that conversation and to be the real person that he is.

“We cried more than once last night.”

Press PLAY  below to hear the full interview

Mr Worland shared his own personal family story in a recent podcast with Ian Roberts.

You can listen to the podcast HERE