Former NRL player Luke Bateman confessed that during his time in rugby league, he felt too self-conscious to share his passion for fantasy novels with his teammates.

Bateman, 30, has become an online sensation after revealing his interest in risqué romance and fantasy novels in a series of videos.

The former Canberra Raiders lock – who also appeared on The Bachelor in 2023 – has amassed 178,000 TikTok followers at the time of writing.

The former footy star has revealed that his love of books was something he used to hide from his ex-teammates.

‘Growing up involved in sports, I recall packing my bags for camps or weekend matches, discreetly stashing my books at the bottom,’ he explained in a TikTok video.

‘I would layer my clothes on top to keep them hidden, sneaking off to read in private whenever possible, often retreating to a cubicle to avoid anyone discovering my secret,’ he admitted.

‘It means the world to me to know there are so many other people out there that share the same passion I do.’

Although Bateman has exploded in popularity of late, many of his female fans turned on him after he landed a book deal which sparked a debate about equity in the publishing industry.

‘A white man getting a book deal without having written anything? My jaw stayed right where it was,’ replied one user, with the comment getting more than 5000 likes.

‘This opportunity is the intersection of white privilege, male privilege, and pretty privilege. Not a reflection of worth,’ posted another.

‘Well good to see that publishing is still a colossal joke,’ replied a third.

Bateman has addressed the flood of criticism, insisting he understands the anger that’s been levelled at him.

‘I wholeheartedly understand how angry and resentful these things would make people,’ he told Chattr.

‘I obviously have advantages that other people don’t. How do I capitalise on those to help lift everyone up? Because I feel like dragging people down leaves everyone at the bottom, whereas a rising tide lifts all ships.

‘And if I can use my platform and my voice and my privilege and position in society to help uplift others, I say, that is what books are about.’

Bateman, who has lots of female admirers, 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 said.

‘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).’