New Zealand-born rugby league player Asu Kepaoa could be facing time on the sidelines after being sent off for an alleged homophobic slur during the Newcastle Knights’ New South Wales Cup win over the St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday night.
Kepaoa was given his marching orders at the end of the first half of the reserves match for an alleged comment reportedly directed at a Dragons player.
After the Knights were awarded a penalty, Kepaoa was seen exchanging words with Dragons players, who then alerted referee Damian Brady.
It is not yet clear exactly what Kepaoa said, but the comment was deemed serious enough for Brady to send him from the field.
Born in Auckland, Kepaoa attended De La Salle College before moving to Australia.
The 26-year-old made his NRL debut with the Wests Tigers in 2020, going on to make 42 appearances and score 13 tries. He later joined the Penrith Panthers, where he made 31 NSW Cup appearances.
Kepaoa moved to the Newcastle Knights this season but has not yet made an NRL appearance for the club, though he has been named on the extended bench on a couple of occasions.
He has also previously represented the Junior Kiwis and Kiwis A teams.
The incident is expected to be reviewed by the match review committee, although charges from the reserve-grade competition are not usually handed out until Monday.
Knights NRL coach Justin Holbrook was asked about the incident following the club’s win over the Dragons. He said he was aware of it but did not want to comment further.
The alleged incident comes during a significant period for rugby league and conversations around sexuality.
Former Warriors prop Kane Evans recently came out as gay in an emotional interview, speaking openly about his sexuality, addiction and mental health.
Days later, rumours emerged that Israel Folau was being targeted for a possible NRL return, though the move was reportedly blocked due to his history.
Folau had his Rugby Australia contract terminated in 2019 after posting on social media that “hell awaits” gay people. He later told an audience at the Australian Christian Lobby that he would do it again.
In a surprising move, Folau later commented two love hearts on Evans’ most recent social media post after Evans came out.
The NRL has previously taken action over homophobic language. In 2022, New Zealand Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya was suspended for four matches after directing a homophobic slur at an opponent.
