NSW Cup 2026

jamesgould said:
It’s not really relevant what anyone’s sexuality is in this discussion, because we’re looking at the wider picture and the discrimination against gay people, and the overall effects of that.

Plenty of people will be able to take it … some people will get it constantly, particularly in super-masculine circles like rugby league, and some of those people will be affected in ways like self harm, depression, suicidal thoughts, etc.

It’s pretty basic to just avoid gay slurs in the first place … it’s really seen as a basic level of respect in 2026. The overwhelming response in this thread and the NRL’s sanctions reflect that.
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Well it kinda is relevant James because you said if you aren't living it, I responded to that part.

As I said humans are complicated, human instincts sometimes get in the way of basic respect. Lots of people say things they don't mean, it's the aftermath of which you've got to own and deal with consequences if there are any.
 
I mean, the aftermath is that our society no longer accepts that sort of behaviour, and there are consequences.

I know there's been a slip in American culture, and gay people are feeling concerned about their welfare and safety after being out and proud for a long time, but I believe and hope that that's temporary and the backlash will be severe because, as Martin Luther said, the arc of history bends towards justice.

Meanwhile, we need to do what we can to maintain civil society; we don't all have to agree, but there should be and are standards in society, online and when players walk onto a field. I fully expect Kepoa will get 4 weeks from the NRL and strong sanctions from the club.
 
I think Americans in general don't feel safe @Seano especially at night. You never know when you could get shot or stabbed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I full understand the sentiment around being civil and understanding but you have to breed a certain toughness into minds I reckon and that's around the whole sticks and stones experience. Call them out just like I called out the whole non binary thing being taught/spoken in my kids school. I don't agree with that, they are kids. Whereas you might think that's ok.
 
Les Misérables said:
Is Nathan Lawson a homosexual?

Or did Kepoa just call an opposing player a fa**** or ga* cu** or something throwaway like that.

Genuine question. Everyone on here is reacting as though Lawson was targeted for being a homosexual, as though there is an entire back-story here that Im missing.

Im trying to figure out if anyone on here who is outraged by the above ever actually played footy, sincerely, because being colloquially accused of homosexuality mid-game is about as inevitable as being tackled with the ball.

What am I missing?
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I’ll probably regret weighing in but I don’t care I’ve had a massive night and day. (Neighbours house burnt down)

My sister used to call me all that and I’ve got 3 kids and STILL haven’t been with a bloke it’s crazy! 😝

I know we are in a new age where that’s normal and it’s not the 80’s anymore and people are more accepting and it’s not illegal in Tasmania etc, but people do say the dumbest things in the heat of the moment. (Especially young testosterone filled boys) Not excusing it ok? It’s still a pretty big deal in the god fearing Polynesian cultures so calling me that would be met with a “pfft righto d***head!😆” instead of reacting with venom like he or 80’s kids used to.

I don’t know, he should know better of course but as @Les Misérables said I tend to agree dumb things are said without thought until someone taps them on the shoulder and reminds them they screwed up.

Is it worth crucifying him or was sitting out the rest of the game and maybe a fine enough? Personally I don’t reckon he does that ever again. Not everything that happens left of centre should be a news.com or a current affair piece. I didn’t see it but first heard on social media that there was a huge melee and assumed he was sent off for punching someone, not saying mean words.
 
Seano said:
Slurs are about putting people down and excluding them, and Rugby League is and should be the opposite of that, for everyone who loves the game.
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A slur of any kind, or are you referring only to slurs of a narrow socio-political affect?

Humans are all unique and people have insecurities and trauma about all manner of things. If the principle to be upheld is that we restrict toxic language by its emotional impact on others then why on earth are we stopping at homosexuality and not whether someone is fat, stupid, ugly etc?

Its all wrong. Its all hurtful. That's the world. Lets all grow up and stop being insulted on others behalf
 
Thieves Like Us said:
Just leaving this here…..

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He’s all class our boy Root.

I was watching the cricket yesterday and there was a moment when the cameraman panned between Root, Cox, Tongue and Gay. I thought there’s a decent whitty sentence or two with those fellas walking into a bar…! Lols.

On the more sensitive and somewhat marginally decisive matter of using homo / fag or something of a similar ilk as a slur, the simple case is, it’s not a slur and when attempted to be used as one it’s marginalizing. Which is not on and old hat. It’s a simple as that, being gay is normal and to suggest it’s not these days is strange.

But also, it’s just simply going to take some people a lot longer than others to get it. I don’t think that makes them dumb or homophobic. Just not as in tune with the efforts large groups in society have made to stop making people feel awful about who they are. And this is coming from someone who firmly believes that wokeness has gone mad for years. But this is far from that lunacy.

I spoke with a South African client the other day and he openly admitted to how normal racism felt and marginalizing people of color during apartheid. It took 15+ years living in Australia to realize how messed up that was and how wharped his mind was. Just takes different degrees. But then again, some people will never tolerate others being different and will slander, murder and drop bombs. Can only start in our own home and amazing sporting forums I suppose.

Personally, if I wanted to abuse someone on the pitch I’d just say how small their shoulder looked for their frame. Or call them a mother ****er, or ****, or ******, or **** face or filthy piece of ****, or ****** or prick. There’ll always be plenty of colorful ways to express one’s absolute disdain at their opponent.
 
The Artist Formerly Known as Aku'd said:
He’s all class our boy Root.

I was watching the cricket yesterday and there was a moment when the cameraman panned between Root, Cox, Tongue and Gay. I thought there’s a decent whitty sentence or two with those fellas walking into a bar…! Lols.

On the more sensitive and somewhat marginally decisive matter of using homo / fag or something of a similar ilk as a slur, the simple case is, it’s not a slur and when attempted to be used as one it’s marginalizing. Which is not on and old hat. It’s a simple as that, being gay is normal and to suggest it’s not these days is strange.

But also, it’s just simply going to take some people a lot longer than others to get it. I don’t think that makes them dumb or homophobic. Just not as in tune with the efforts large groups in society have made to stop making people feel awful about who they are. And this is coming from someone who firmly believes that wokeness has gone mad for years. But this is far from that lunacy.

I spoke with a South African client the other day and he openly admitted to how normal racism felt and marginalizing people of color during apartheid. It took 15+ years living in Australia to realize how messed up that was and how wharped his mind was. Just takes different degrees. But then again, some people will never tolerate others being different and will slander, murder and drop bombs. Can only start in our own home and amazing sporting forums I suppose.

Personally, if I wanted to abuse someone on the pitch I’d just say how small their shoulder looked for their frame. Or call them a mother ****er, or ****, or ******, or **** face or filthy piece of ****, or ****** or prick. There’ll always be plenty of colorful ways to express one’s absolute disdain at their opponent.
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I dunno why players are still using the gay slur. Thought by now it would have changed to pedo or rock spider. No one is ever feeling sorry for that demographic
 
Les Misérables said:
A slur of any kind, or are you referring only to slurs of a narrow socio-political affect?
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Homophobic or racist slurs. I accept the sticks and stones argument, to a point, it's what I've taught my daughters because some people are ****holes and there's nothing you can do about that.

But there's no place for homophobic or racist slurs as defined by the NRL, and I support their zero tolerance stand.

PS. It's standard to teach tolerance in schools; non-binary people, trans people, and gay people are part of our society. That's just a fact.
 
danknights said:
Well it kinda is relevant James because you said if you aren't living it, I responded to that part.

As I said humans are complicated, human instincts sometimes get in the way of basic respect. Lots of people say things they don't mean, it's the aftermath of which you've got to own and deal with consequences if there are any.
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I’m talking about you haven’t lived struggling with self harm, mental health, feeling suicidal etc, due to your sexual identity, and had these feelings exacerbated due to repeated comments from others, which it seems like you haven’t from what you’ve said.

I apologise if you have also faced these demons.
 
Les Misérables said:
A slur of any kind, or are you referring only to slurs of a narrow socio-political affect?

Humans are all unique and people have insecurities and trauma about all manner of things. If the principle to be upheld is that we restrict toxic language by its emotional impact on others then why on earth are we stopping at homosexuality and not whether someone is fat, stupid, ugly etc?

Its all wrong. Its all hurtful. That's the world. Lets all grow up and stop being insulted on others behalf
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Completely agree, no need for slurs of any kind. I am not insulted on behalf of others. I do however have a lot of empathy for members of the gay community. Is empathy a bad thing? I have seen first hand how friends have been traumatised by past experiences or have been outlandishly grateful for simply being treated normally. There is a clear, measured disparity in the mental health of members of the gay community compared to members of other groups you mentioned who may have slurs used against them. Homophobic slurs can literally kill. To be clear, that isn't me drawing a line at homophobic slurs, I'm more then happy to see none of them used. A quick google gave this overview of the mental health disparity between members of the gay community and the community overall:

"Gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their straight peers, with suicide attempt rates typically ranging from 2 to 7 times higher. These elevated risks are primarily attributed to "minority stress," which includes discrimination, social stigma, family rejection, and bullying."

Having said that, i don't want some outlandish punishment for Asu either. I'd doubt it was meant with any great malice. I'm sure he has already learnt from this, let him take his medicine and move on. But there can't be any room in the game for that kind of language when we know the damage those words can do.
 
Owey said:
Having said that, i don't want some outlandish punishment for Asu either. I'd doubt it was meant with any great malice. I'm sure he has already learnt from this, let him take his medicine and move on. But there can't be any room in the game for that kind of language when we know the damage those words can do.
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And with that I’m sure Kepaoa needs support after what’s happened too, and absolutely that needs to be provided.

It was a four game suspension for Marcelo Montoya a few years ago at the Warriors, so it’ll be the same for Asu.
 
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