Former NRL enforcer Robbie Kearns has gone public with his new relationship, revealing artist Gabrielle May as the woman who has brought happiness back into his life.
The former Melbourne Storm captain shared a series of loved-up photographs on Instagram over the weekend, introducing his partner to followers with an emotional message.
‘Not sure how, and don’t know why but I’ve been lucky enough to meet the world’s most amazing human… and I get to hang out with her… and to top it all off she’s really really pretty… oh yeh and she makes me so so happy….’
‘Thanks for making my cup full to the brim when it was empty.. Thanks for being you.’
He finished the post with the hashtags ‘#yesimpunchin #yesimbattin #playonisay #awinforthebattlers’.
The announcement attracted a flood of supportive comments from friends and followers, many saying they were delighted to see the former representative forward smiling again.
Former NRL hardman Robbie Kearns has gone public with artist Gabrielle May, sharing an emotional relationship announcement on Instagram
Kearns said Gabrielle May had made his ‘cup full to the brim’ after meeting the acclaimed Australian artist
The former Australia and New South Wales representative received overwhelming support from friends
Robbie Kearns captained Melbourne Storm before retiring in 2005 after an outstanding career spanning 282 first-grade matches
‘Happy for you brother. You’re a good man and I’m so glad you have met a great person,’ former Cronulla Sharks star Jason Stevens wrote.
Former footy star and media personality Braith Anasta posted: ‘Yes Kearndog’,
‘Fantastic mate! So good to see that Bobby K smile,’ another commented.
Another joked ‘Punching lol’, echoing Kearns’ own light-hearted hashtag.
May is an established visual artist whose work includes vibrant abstract paintings, expressive figure portraits and bold typographic pieces.
Originally from Western Australia, she later moved to Melbourne before relocating to Torquay, where she now paints full time from her studio.
Before pursuing art professionally, May worked as a makeup artist, in digital marketing and founded the ecommerce gifting business Wrapt About.
Kearns enjoyed one of the most respected careers of his generation after making his first-grade debut with Cronulla in 1992.
He later joined the Western Reds before becoming one of the inaugural stars of the Melbourne Storm, captaining the club between 2000 and 2002 before again leading the side in 2005.
The tough front-rower represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Australia in 23 Tests, including the successful 2000 World Cup campaign.
He retired at the end of the 2005 season after playing 282 first-grade matches across a 13-year career.
