Dumped NSW five-eighth Cody Walker will continue to express his opposition to the national anthem despite the heat his protest attracted before game one.
Walker and several other players - both indigenous and non-indigenous – chose to stay silent as Advance Australia Fair played at Suncorp Stadium.
The Rabbitohs star has no regrets over his stance despite the controversy it invited.
“That’s the way I was brought up. I will continually say my thoughts on it,” Walker told NITV’s Over the Black Dot.
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“I will never judge anyone who has a different view (but) it is something I will stand by forever.”
Walker stressed that his opinion on the wording of the anthem is his personal view and he doesn’t force it on anyone.
“That’s what was most disappointing – that I was portrayed as coming into the camp with a political statement,” he said.
“(That’s something) I never did and I never do.
“I was asked a question and I answered it very honestly and with as much respect as I could.
“They were my views and I didn’t want to push it on anyone.”
Walker was axed after NSW’s four-point loss in game one but continued to support the Blues as they wrapped up the series with wins in games two and three.
He said: “I was disappointed I didn’t get another opportunity but that’s the way it goes.
“I wanted to be part of the squad but I will get back on my bike and play my best for the Rabbitohs.”