Women go wild for burly NRL star who has become a TikTok phenomenon by reviewing some VERY racy romance and fantasy books
One-time NRL star Luke Bateman has become an online sensation after revealing his growing interest in risqué romance and fantasy novels.
Former Canberra Raiders lock Bateman – who also appeared on The Bachelor in 2023 – has amassed 136,000 TikTok followers at the time of writing.
It follows a bold recent request where Bateman, 30, asked for ‘romance recommendations.’
The former Queensland under-20s Origin representative was bombarded with a series of wild responses – and then Bateman further displayed his brazen side by asking for ‘smut recs.’
Numerous followers – the majority who were women – didn’t hesitate to offer their spicy suggestions to Bateman, who responded with a TikTok clip where he can be seen working on a farm while listening to ‘graphic audio.’
As his popularity increases seemingly by the hour on TikTok, Bateman is clearly enjoying himself – and his followers can’t get enough.
One joked she is ready to launch a ‘petition for Luke to read the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy’ before another posted: ‘More men like this please. I’m married but we all need more of this.’
A third weighed in with: ‘When am I reading you a bedtime story.’
One-time NRL star Luke Bateman has become an online sensation after revealing his growing interest in risqué romance and fantasy novels
Former Canberra Raiders lock Bateman (pictured in 2016) – who also appeared on The Bachelor in 2023 – has amassed 136,000 TikTok followers at the time of writing
It didn’t take long for Bateman’s popularity to explode on TikTok (pictured) after he showed his wild side
Another of Bateman’s TikTok followers playfully asked ‘when am I reading you a bedtime story’
Bateman is believed to be single following his split from Ellie Rolfe last year.
The pair met on The Bachelor and connected – but eventually went their separate ways.
‘Ellie and I would like to keep our relationship private,’ Bateman said at the time.
‘She has a soul that lights up every room she walks into and I will sorely miss it in my life.’
On the footy field, Bateman chalked up 71 appearances for the Raiders between 2015 and 2019.
A knee injury ended his career – and before his NRL debut, Bateman in 2014 publicly had to confirm he wasn’t gay.
It followed an on-field slur from current Parramatta Eels halfback Mitchell Moses who was playing for NSW against the Maroons in an under-20s match.
‘I’m not gay,’ Bateman told News Corp. ‘I’ve had plenty of people from the gay community write to me or contact me on Twitter giving messages of support.
‘I said thanks guys….but I’m really not (gay).’
