How BookTok sensation Luke Bateman hid love of fantasy novels from NRL teammates

Luke Bateman used to hide his books under clothes while on NRL camps, saying he was embarrassed to let his teammates know what he was reading. Now his love for the fantasy genre has blown up in his face.

Luke Bateman played 71 NRL games.

Luke Bateman wasn’t your typical NRL player, saying he used to hide his books in his kit bag on rugby league camps.

The 30-year-old former Canberra Raiders forward has exploded in popularity on social media within the past month and now finds himself at the centre of a global conversation around white privilege, masculinity and the publishing industry.

It’s not a fate many saw coming for the former under-20s Queensland lock, who played 70 games for the Raiders between 2015 and 2018 before his career was cut short.

But a love for books and the fantasy genre, which was earned him international attention on TikTok, is something he tried to keep hidden from his former teammates who he feared would shun him.

In one of his 29 TikToks, Bateman says it has taken 30 years, but he found his people.

“I grew up playing a lot of sport, and I remember whenever you go away for a camp or a weekend away for a game or something, I used to get my books and pack them at the bottom of my bag or somewhere,” he said.

“I would put all my clothes on top of them to hide them so no one knew I was taking books with me, and whenever I got a spare moment to read I would go and find a cubicle and lock myself in there, just because I was so embarrassed about it and didn’t want anyone to know.

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

WHY DO NRL FANS KNOW HIM?

NRL fans will remember him from his time at the Raiders, or playing for Queensland under 20s alongside and against current stars Latrell Mitchell, Lindsay Collins and Mitch Moses.

His career was cut short by a knee injury in 2019, and he didn’t play another game in the top level as Covid cancelled all reserve grade games in 2020.

He resurfaced in 2021 with Wynnum Manly for two seasons before giving it away to work in farming and forestry with his family in Queensland.

Luke Bateman played for the Raiders. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

WHY THE INTERNET KNOWS HIM

In 2023 he was one of three bachelors on season 11 of The Bachelor.

But in April this year he started sharing book reviews, recommendations and speaking about his love of the fantasy genre on his TikTok account from the seat of his tractor.

He became an immediate hit with the BookTok community for his refreshing takes on masculinity.

For the uninitiated, BookTok is a wildly popular subsection of TikTok where people talk about everything to do with books, and the hashtag itself has more than 56 million posts and counting.

His first ever video, which was posted on April 22, has two million views.

In just over a month, he has amassed more than 178,000 followers and counting.

A big part of his appeal is the genuine way Bateman speaks about challenging stereotypes and encouraging men and young boys to read.

Ellie Rolfe and Luke Bateman on the Bachelor

WHY HAVE PEOPLE TURNED ON BATEMAN?

It’s all been very wholesome until Bateman landed a two-book deal for his debut fantasy series with Atria books (Simon and Schuster) for 2027.

Bateman has never written a novel before, although he has said he has a concept for the series he’s been working on.

“I have a picture of a younger version of myself on my lockscreen on my phone and every time I make a decision or do something, I look at my phone and I look at the littler version of me and say, this is for you mate,” Bateman said about the deal.

“Last week when I did the deal, I looked at my phone and said ‘we did it little buddy’.”

While some have praised him, BookTok has been lit up with backlash aimed at the publishing industry in general and the concept of privilege.

Some have questioned why a conventionally attractive, straight, white man is handed a coveted book deal so quickly when it is notoriously difficult for even published authors with millions of followers to land the same opportunities.

Luke Bateman's TikTok account seems to have been shut down.

It has also raised the issue of whether the same chance would be given to an author or creator from marginalised communities with more experience, exposing problems in the way the publishing system works to uplift already popular figures who fit a certain set of criteria to make money.

“Race and privilege shape who get the shortcuts,” said content creator and activist Jeff Kissubi.

“Black and marginalised authors especially women and gender-diverse creatives are out here with finished, powerful stories that still get overlooked.”

WHAT BATEMAN SAYS

Bateman acknowledges his sudden rise has upset some.

“Obviously, a lot of these conversations are very new to me, and I wholeheartedly understand that so many people have felt let down by the industry,” he told Chattr.

“I have so much empathy, love, and grace for people who struggle, and I have no idea what they’ve been through in their life, the challenges they’ve faced, or, you know, the discrimination.

“So I can wholeheartedly understand how angry and resentful these things would make people.”

He said it’s been an eye opening experience and he has spoken with a few people in the BookTok space to get a better understanding of it all.

Former Canberra Raiders player Luke Bateman has come under fire after signing a two-book deal. Picture: supplied

“I was speaking with a Latino woman yesterday who was sharing her story, and she was actually saying that she was just at a conference on the weekend,” he said.

“The authors in there were saying how publishers had told them to publish under different names… but basically, do stories that would fit more into a different audience.

“I obviously have advantages that other people don’t. How do I capitalise on those to help lift everyone up?

“I can use my platform and my voice and my privilege and position in society to help uplift others.”

WHAT NOW?

The nuanced conversation continues online. Many believe the way he openly challenges stereotypes of masculinity is long overdue and necessary, and should be protected.

In the meantime, Simon and Schuster said “Bateman’s fantasy debut will take readers on an epic quest, exploring themes around love, conflict and redemption.”

Book one in the series is expected to be released in early 2027.

And if his following keeps rising at this rate it will be a hit.

Originally published as How BookTok sensation Luke Bateman hid love of fantasy novels from NRL teammates