2GB Afternoons host Michael McLaren has questioned why Australian players aren’t singing the national anthem, after being impressed by the passion displayed by Tonga and Samoa in Sunday night’s Rugby League World Cup match.

McLaren says Australian players who aren’t comfortable singing the national anthem should reconsider representing their country and “let someone else pull on the jersey”.

“If these people don’t feel comfortable performing the national anthem with heart, they should probably recuse themselves from national selection,” McLaren said.

Listen to more highlights from Afternoons below:

Image: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images