Sharks enforcer Toby Rudolf has encouraged the NRL to introduce a pride round — and revealed the “powerful” messages he received after he threw his support behind the LGBTQIA+ community.

The 26-year-old was one of the loudest voices in championing for the marginalised community during the wake of the pride jersey saga in 2022.

Seven players stood down after the Sea Eagles introduced a rainbow-trimmed kit for their Round 20 clash against the Roosters and Rudolf spoke openly about his own life experiences.

At the time, Rudolf spoke about his own sexuality and reflected on his own experiences.

“What I will say is I was raised by quite a few gay and lesbian community members. My uncle is gay and my godmother is gay, and there’s so much love in that community,” Rudolf said to the SMH.

“Sexuality is very fluid. I’ve been out and kissed many gay men, kissed many straight women and kissed many gay women.”

Following his public support of the LGBTQIA+ community, the front rower told Foxsports.com.au he was astounded how many people were touched by his comments.

“I had so many people reach out to me, with some really really heartfelt messages that I couldn’t believe,” Rudolf said to Foxsports.com.au.

“So if I can just do that to a few people, a whole community getting behind it, and sport getting behind it, it will do wonders for that entire community.”

Rudolf also revealed his comments even saved the life of a young member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Without getting too personal with some of them, I do remember there was one kid that was saying that his family had just completely shunned him,” Rudolf said.

“It was my comments that sort of kept him from taking his own life, honestly, that was one of the messages he sent.

“That was powerful for me, I am one front rower in a team, who doesn’t score too many tries, isn’t too popular.

“But if you can get an entire sport behind it, it promotes the positivity and it will create it.”

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has since revealed discussions will take place surrounding a pride round for 2023.

As it stands, no pride round has been scheduled for the upcoming season, but was set to be discussed in ARLC meetings in November last year according to AAP.

Rudolf was steadfast in his beliefs that the yearly event will do “wonders” for the community.

“Of course (a pride round should be introduced),” Rudolf said.

“Obviously last year there was just a breakdown in communication between Manly and whatever happened there, not that I know the ins and outs of it.

“I can’t see how it wouldn’t be a good thing, putting that out there to the community, rugby league obviously, with the likes of Ian Roberts, the first gay open athlete in Australia I am pretty sure.

“I think it will do wonders for the game, wonders for the community.”

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