Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook has declared that Asu Kepaoa's on-field homophobic slur was unequivocally wrong, as the club looks to move forward from the controversy. Kepaoa, a 26-year-old forward, was handed a six-game suspension after pleading guilty to contrary conduct at the NSW Rugby League judiciary on Wednesday night.
Kepaoa's apology and sanction accepted
Kepaoa apologised during the hearing, and the Knights have accepted the penalty. Holbrook stated, “Everyone knows it’s not right, and he’s paid a heavy price for that, personally and as a club.” The incident occurred during Friday's reserve grade match against St George Illawarra, where Kepaoa was sent off for the slur.
Historical context and impact
The slur made Kepaoa the first NRL-listed player suspended for a homophobic slur since 2022. The incident comes just weeks after former prop Kane Evans became the NRL’s second male player to come out as gay, following Ian Roberts in the 1990s. Evans has spoken about his struggles with addiction, suicidal ideation, and homelessness while grappling with his sexuality.
Club's educational response
The Knights released a media statement confirming they would continue to educate Kepaoa “around the impact of language and the responsibilities that come with representing the Newcastle Knights and the values we stand for.” Holbrook added, “We do a lot of education in those areas but what happened was not right and (Kepaoa) has accepted responsibility and the outcome of it. We’ve got to move on and learn from it.”
Kepaoa's playing status and career
Kepaoa is unavailable for NRL or NSW Cup selection until Round 23. He has not featured at first-grade level since joining the Knights from Penrith this year. The 26-year-old has played 43 NRL games, all for Wests Tigers between 2020 and 2024. His most recent NRL appearance was in May 2024, but he has played 12 of a possible 14 games for the Knights’ NSW Cup team this season.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578
