Newcastle Knights forward Asu Kepaoa has been handed a six-match ban after pleading guilty to using a homophobic slur during a reserve-grade match last week. The incident occurred in a round-of-16 NSW Cup clash against St George Illawarra, from which Kepaoa was sent off before half-time and referred directly to the judiciary.
The 26-year-old fronted the NSWRL judiciary on Wednesday and issued a personal apology, acknowledging the harm caused by his words. He has yet to make his senior debut for the Knights since joining the club from Penrith, having previously played 43 NRL games for the Wests Tigers.
Newcastle released a statement on Wednesday, stating that the language used has no place at the club. “The Knights accept the outcome and fully supports the process,” the statement said. “The Newcastle Knights are an inclusive club and pride ourselves on being a welcoming place for all players, staff and supporters.”
The club confirmed it will work with Kepaoa to provide education on the impact of such language and the responsibilities of representing the club. Players are referred directly to a judiciary hearing for serious offences where an appropriate penalty is not immediately clear.
Kepaoa’s ban follows similar recent cases in rugby league and AFL, including a four-game suspension for Warriors player Marcelo Montoya in 2022 for a homophobic slur. It also comes weeks after former Sydney Roosters prop Kane Evans became the second male NRL player to come out as gay.
