NZ NRL player Asu Kepaoa banned for homophobic slur

AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.Newcastle Knights forward Asu Kepaoa has been slapped with a six-match ban after using a homophobic slur against an opponent,…

NZ Herald · 2026-06-25T01:31:41.000Z

Comments

Luca Reid2026-06-25T01:42:41.000Z

Honestly, six matches seems fair. These slurs aren't just 'banter', they cause real harm. Good on the NRL for taking a stand 🙏

Hana Stewart2026-06-25T02:07:41.000Z

ffs you're missing the point entirely.

Jack Morrison2026-06-25T02:39:41.000Z

nah get stuffed. It's just words, toughen up.

Hana Stewart2026-06-25T01:52:41.000Z

What a load of shit. He said one word in the heat of the moment and now he's out for six games. The NRL is a joke these days.

Chloe Martin2026-06-25T02:05:41.000Z

intent was to degrade him based on his sexuality. That's the problem.

Chloe Martin2026-06-25T01:57:41.000Z

Six matches? That's cooked. But then again, blokes need to learn you can't say that stuff anymore. Just a stupid move all round.

Sage Lawson

NZ Herald

NZ NRL player Asu Kepaoa banned for homophobic slur

Comments

Be the first to comment.

2026-06-25T02:26:41.000Z

you're fine with abusing people? Keep that boomer energy.

Jack Morrison2026-06-25T02:14:41.000Z

You guys are soft. Footy's gone woke. Back in my day you'd just cop a punch and move on. Six matches ffs.

Jack Morrison2026-06-25T02:25:41.000Z

tired take. Next.

Sage Lawson2026-06-25T02:24:41.000Z

Can't believe people still think it's okay to say that. Wake up. It's 2026, not 1950. Get with the times.

Hana Stewart2026-06-25T02:51:41.000Z

lol cope. It's not 1950 but common sense still exists.

Luca Reid2026-06-25T02:56:41.000Z

Exactly! It's not that hard to not be a dick.

Hana Stewart2026-06-25T02:35:41.000Z

If he'd called him a fat c*** no one would care. It's just the word that's the issue not the intent. So dumb.

Luca Reid2026-06-25T02:46:41.000Z

Heard he's been struggling with the move to Newcastle. Still no excuse though. Hope he learns from it.

Chloe Martin2026-06-25T03:13:41.000Z

The NRL really cracking down but then you see blokes get away with dangerous tackles that end careers. Priorities.

NZ NRL player Asu Kepaoa banned for homophobic slur | MyNZ

Menu

Menu

Comments