Embattled NRL club Manly's decision to not give players a choice to wear a rainbow-themed jersey this week in support of inclusivity because it would cast some as homophobic has backfired spectacularly.

6PR commentator Jane Marwick said the original plan for Sea Eagles players to have a choice was abandoned and instead only some were consulted, with seven players boycotting the club's crucial clash with the Roosters on Thursday due to personal and cultural reasons.

"I think in trying to be inclusive, Manly has just blown up the whole thing, and there'll be people on both sides of this debate who'll feel sad, lonely, hurt," she said.