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League: NRLSport: RugbyCountry: AustraliaCategory: Scores & Results

Asu Kepaoa banned six weeks for using homophobic slur in NSW Cup

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 11:45 PM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

Asu Kepaoa banned six weeks for using homophobic slur in NSW Cup
Summary

Newcastle forward Asu Kepaoa has received a six-week suspension for using a homophobic slur during a reserve-grade match against St George Illawarra. The 26-year-old admitted to the offense in front of the NSWRL judiciary on Wednesday. Kepaoa, who has previously played for the Tigers and Panthers, has not made his NRL debut with Newcastle yet. His suspension follows a recent push to address inappropriate language in sports.

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The Guardian Sport
By the Numbers
  • •Asu Kepaoa banned for six weeks by the NSWRL judiciary.
  • •Incident occurred during a round-of-16 NSW Cup match.
  • •Kepaoa pleaded guilty to the charge.
  • •He has not yet debuted in the NRL for Newcastle.
  • •The ban emphasizes the importance of appropriate conduct in sports.
Latest Updates
  • 11:45 PMThe Guardian Sport — Newcastle Knights player Asu Kepaoa given six-week ban for using homophobic slur
What they're saying
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Forward pleaded guilty to judiciary for comment in reserve-grade game Former Tigers and Panthers player yet to make NRL debut for third club Newcastle forward Asu Kepaoa has been hit with a six-match ban for using a homophonic slur in a round-of-16 NSW Cup match. The 26-year-old fronted the NSWRL judiciary on Wednesday when he pleaded guilty to making the slur in the Knights’ reserve-grade defeat of St George Illawarra last week. Continue reading...

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