Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans says he not only respects a national anthem boycott by State of Origin players, he hopes it sparks debate for change.
On Monday, the Maroons skipper threw his support behind the likes of teammate Will Chambers, and NSW's Cody Walker and Josh Addo-Carr, who have declared they will refuse to sing Advance Australia Fair ahead of Wednesday's Origin opener.
The trio have taken the stance, after claiming the anthem doesn't represent indigenous Australians.
Retired Queensland great Johnathan Thurston has already called for a referendum on the continued use of Advance Australia Fair, after the Origin players revealed their plan.
Cherry-Evans believed the snub could help place a national spotlight on the issue.
"Hopefully, this sort of stuff does start conversations, not just in sports, but around the country, around what we believe can make this country a better place," Cherry-Evans said.
Last week, Queensland centre Chambers said he hoped the boycott would lead to a wider awakening about the anthem's disconnect with indigenous Australians.
Cherry-Evans may be about to take up the Maroons captaincy for the first time, but said he was in no position to criticise Chambers for his anthem stance.
"When anyone feels so strongly about something that has a personal impact on their lives, I do support that," he said.
"Who am I to say what Will Chambers can or can't feel?
"As the captain of this side, I do support my teammates in anything they truly believe in.
"Will feels strongly about this, so as a captain, I don't have a problem with it at all."
AAP
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