Xavier Coates has admitted it has been 'tough' to deal with PNG fans calling him a traitor for choosing to represent Australia, but he has received an unlikely ally.
PNG Kumuls great David Mead has urged fans to end the "senseless" abuse directed at Xavier Coates after he chose to represent Australia.
"You will always cop a backlash for whatever you do in your career but it's about how you deal with that and I'm still learning to do that."Everyone's got their own opinion but I know who I am and I am proud of who I am."I am really proud to have made this squad and to have played with this calibre of players."
"It’s important for us all to remember that athletes don’t owe anyone a choice based on pressure or expectations. These moments should be celebrated as they reflect the diversity, strength, and unity of our great game of rugby league," he wrote in a statement on Facebook.
Kangaroos Xavier Coates Papua New Guinea David Mead
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