Former NRL hardman Robbie Kearns has shared a series of loved-up Instagram photos introducing visual artist Gabrielle May as the woman he says brought “happiness back” into his life, sparking an outpouring of support from friends and former teammates.
Robbie Kearns didn’t ease into it. Over the weekend, the former Melbourne Storm captain posted a run of loved-up photographs on Instagram, making it plain that his life has a new face — and that he’s enjoying it.
In the caption. the ex-NRL enforcer introduced artist Gabrielle May and wrote that he had been “lucky enough” to meet “the world’s most amazing human. ” adding that he gets to “hang out with her” and that she’s “really really pretty.” Kearns went on to describe the impact of their relationship. saying she “makes me so so happy. ” and thanking her for “making my cup full to the brim when it was empty.” He finished the post with the hashtags “#yesimpunchin #yesimbattin #playonisay #awinforthebattlers.”.
The reaction was immediate. Friends and followers flooded the comments, many saying they were relieved to see Kearns smiling again. Former Cronulla Sharks star Jason Stevens wrote: “Happy for you brother. You’re a good man and I’m so glad you have met a great person.” Braith Anasta posted: “Yes Kearndog.” Another supporter added: “Fantastic mate!. So good to see that Bobby K smile,” while someone else joked: “Punching lol,” echoing Kearns’ light-hearted hashtag.
May, now based in Torquay, is an established visual artist. Her work includes vibrant abstract paintings, expressive figure portraits and bold typographic pieces. She is originally from Western Australia, moved to Melbourne and later relocated to Torquay, where she 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.
For Kearns, the announcement landed after a career that left a mark on rugby league. He debuted in first grade with Cronulla in 1992 and later joined the Western Reds. He became one of the inaugural stars of the Melbourne Storm and captained the club between 2000 and 2002. before leading the side again in 2005.
On representative football’s biggest stages. Kearns played for New South Wales in State of Origin and represented Australia in 23 Tests. including the successful 2000 World Cup campaign. The tough front-rower retired at the end of the 2005 season after an outstanding 13-year career that included 282 first-grade matches.
After years of being known for his hard hits and bigger presence on the field, Kearns’ weekend post gave followers a different kind of update — one built around gratitude, a “happy” new chapter, and the clear message that he believes his “cup” is finally filled.
Robbie Kearns Gabrielle May Melbourne Storm NRL Instagram State of Origin Australia Cronulla Sharks Braith Anasta Jason Stevens Wrapt About visual artist
Wait is this the same guy that punched people on the field? good for him though
Honestly I don’t know who Gabrielle May is but if he’s happy then cool. The caption with the “cup full” thing is kinda cheesy but whatever.
So he’s with an artist now? I thought he’d be doing coaching or commentary or like… tough-guy stuff forever. Also the hashtags “yesimpunchin” like?? are we sure that’s not about like violence still lol
Good to see the dude smiling again but I’m still confused—this article makes it sound like he went broke or something with the “cup was empty” line. Maybe he meant mental health? Idk. Also Torquay is where my cousin went to school so that’s random, small world. Glad for him regardless.