Cronulla Sharks prop Toby Rudolf is not your typical NRL star. The enforcer who makes his living intimidating opponents on the field is, off it, a self-described free spirit when it comes to love – openly admitting he’s on the hunt for connection on his own terms.
“I’m not a traditional male in any sense, I’m all about free love and if someone wants to experience that with me and have an open sort of style relationship … call me.”
It’s a refreshingly candid admission from a man who seems entirely comfortable in his own skin. When it comes to navigating the complexities of that lifestyle, Rudolf is equally straightforward.
“I’m so happy for someone else to be happy and to do whatever they want as long as I’m afforded the same rights. I think I just love love too much.”
We sat down with Toby to celebrate his partnership with Petbarn’s Seeing Eye Dogs Australia appeal – a campaign that hits close to home. “Mum was born legally blind, so she’s been disabled her entire life and will likely need one of these dogs down the line.”
The appeal aims to raise $1.2 million in July alone, funding 24 seeing eye dogs and changing 24 lives in the process.
Here the NRL star reveals all from his untraditional approach to love, to his “weird” pre-game ritual and the secret to his unique scent.
In your position, is there a standout player that you dread going up against?
“It’s not the big, strong, tough guys. It’s the small steppy guys that are like left, right and they’re here and now they’re there. Jerome Luai and a couple of the Raiders outside back, they’ve got really good feet – they’re the ones that are tough.”
What’s the one thing you do before every game?
“It’s a weird answer but when I was younger I would sing any song that would make me sing a lot because I felt like it would make my lungs work before a game. And because I know all the words to Frozen’s Let It Go, I’d always just belt it out in the car on the way to the games.”
What’s on your wishlist right now?
“100 girlfriends. I’m looking for a romantic connection any way it comes. I’m not a traditional male in any sense, I’m all about free love and if someone wants to experience that with me and have an open sort of style relationship, that’s what I’ve had in the past and it works great for me.”
What’s the key to your signature scent?
“Rexona sexy bouquet always, it’s the best smelling deodorant. And my go-to cologne that I buy all the time is Issey Miyake. I love that one.”
Rexona Sexy Bouquet Deodorant, $7.50 (down from $10.43) at Amazon Australia
Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, $78.90 (down from $170) at Amazon Australia
Are there any rules or boundaries around communication in an open relationship?
“There’s no real boundaries from my point of view. I’ll even ask her questions because I like hearing stories. And in saying all that, I’m not ruling out the possibility of a monogamous relationship. In the past it just hasn’t really worked out the way I wanted it to and so far this has, and I’m just going with the flow.”
You travel a lot for work, what are the three essential items you always take with you?
“Definitely headphones are number one – for the flights, for the Ubers, anything, I can’t actually wear earbuds because I have cauliflower ear, so I have over-the-ears from Sony. They’re really good.”
Sony WH-CH720 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones, $179 from JB HI-FI
“ … a bag with way too many clothes in it.”
COS Sports Duffle Bag, $105 at The Iconic
“ … and my toiletries bag.”
Van Heusen Expandable Hanging Toiletry Bag in Black, $89.95 at Myer
What’s your go-to activewear?
“Top to bottom, Puma. It’s the most comfortable, best gear ever.”
Run Culture Men’s Graphic Tee, $50 from Puma
PUMA x HYROX PWRMODE 5” Men’s Shorts, $90 at Puma
Deviate Pure NITRO™ Men’s Running Shoes, $240 at Puma
Your contract is up at the end of this season, where are you going to be next year?
“I want to be somewhere where I’m wanted. That’s where I want to be. I think I’m going to be in Cronulla.”
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