Newcastle Knights forward Asu Kepaoa has been referred directly to the NSW Rugby League judiciary for allegedly making a homophobic slur during a NSW Cup game against St George Illawarra on Friday. The incident occurred just before halftime in the Knights' reserve-grade victory.
Kepaoa's Career and Previous Incidents
The 27-year-old former Wests Tigers player, who has played 43 NRL games between 2020 and 2024, was sent from the field. He has until midday Tuesday to enter a plea ahead of Wednesday night's hearing. Players are typically referred directly to a judiciary hearing for the most serious offences or those where an exact punishment is not immediately clear.
This is not the first time a player has faced such allegations. While playing for the Warriors' NRL side in 2022, Marcelo Montoya received a four-game ban for calling North Queensland winger Kyle Feldt a homophobic slur. In the AFL, Max Knobel, Koby Evans, Izak Rankine, and Lance Collard are among those suspended for similar slurs in recent seasons.
Context and Impact
Kepaoa's alleged incident comes only weeks after former Sydney Roosters prop Kane Evans became the second male NRL player to come out as gay, and the first since the 1990s. Kepaoa has not played first-grade for the Knights since moving from Penrith earlier this year.
The NRL has taken a strong stance against homophobic language, with the judiciary expected to impose a significant suspension if Kepaoa is found guilty. The case highlights ongoing efforts to eradicate discrimination from the sport.
Taumalolo Avoids Suspension
In other NRL news, North Queensland veteran Jason Taumalolo will play his 300th NRL game in Townsville against Penrith as planned after dodging suspension for a dangerous throw. The Cowboys' most-capped player was sin-binned in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Warriors for upending Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the second half.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten said he "can't disagree" with the sin-bin decision. Taumalolo faced a nervous wait for Monday's judiciary charge sheet, but received a grade-one dangerous throw charge. He can accept a $750 fine with an early guilty plea, meaning he will celebrate his milestone in front of home fans against the ladder-leading Panthers on Saturday night.
Taumalolo's clean recent record, with no charges since the 2022 finals series, earned him a $250 discount on his fine. A grade-one dangerous throw charge can carry a two-match ban as a third offence, but his history worked in his favor.
