CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Cronulla Sharks prop Toby Rudolf has today thrown his support behind the introduction of an NRL pride round in the wake of Manly’s rainbow jersey saga, while also opening up on his own sexuality.
The Maroubra Bender King has revealed to journalists that he fully supported the move, after NRL boss Peter V’landys alluded to the idea of a yearly event to celebrate members of the LGBTQIA community.
Rudolf went on to explain that the idea of a Pride Round isn’t as controversial in his rough and tumble hometown of Maroubra beach, when compared to the more religious enclaves of Sydney.
This comes as no surprise to the NSW police and the rest of South Sydney, as it is commonly acknowledged that God left Maroubra a long time ago.
However, the front-row enforcer has gone one further and said not only does he believe love is love – but went on to explain that he has no problem engaging in all kinds of love himself – making him the first NRL player to open up about his sexuality since fellow Maroubra hard man Ian Roberts came out as gay in 1995.
“Sexuality is very fluid. I’ve been out and kissed many gay men, kissed many straight women and kissed many gay women.” said Rudolf.
While Rudolf has been praised for outing himself as a proud member of the queer community this week, the 26-year-old insists he already today everyone this in Mar last year – and got yelled out for doing so.
In 2021, Rudolf was warned by the NRL for “offensive and derogatory” comments after the Sharks round one win.
During a post-match interview with Fox League’s Matty Johns Show, Rudolf was asked how he planned to celebrate the opening the victory.
“Probably about 1000 beers. Go to (Cronulla bar) Northies, try and pull something. Anything will do” he said.
His comments immediately drew criticism and pearl-clutching from the NRL’s chief executive Andrew Abdo, who publicly reprimanded Rudolf for what he believed to be misogynistic comments about women.
The NRL will now be issuing a formal apology to Rudolf, after it has becomes clear that the footballer was actually opening up about his sexual fluidity and was 100% serious when he said ‘something, anything’.
