Toby Rudolf reveals he never wants children, calling parenting a drain on energy ahead of Sharks' prelim final

Cronulla forward Toby Rudolf has revealed he has no desire to have children, calling parenting a 'drain of energy' and saying he is too selfish to be a father. The comments come ahead of the Sharks' preliminary final against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Rudolf, 29, has become one of the NRL's more colorful figures and a key forward for Cronulla as they push for a spot in the grand final. He has a history of speaking bluntly on topics ranging from his sexuality to challenging norms, and his latest remarks add another layer to his public persona ahead of a high-stakes match.

'Nah, I don't think I want kids to be honest,' Rudolf told News Corp. 'Everyone always says to me that will change but, right now, I can't see myself having children. I'm too selfish. I want to live my life, see the world and do stuff.' He said parenting can be demanding and that his football career requires a selfish focus. 'Right now, you have to be selfish to play this sport. You have to be to get your best performance.'

Rudolf grew up in South Maroubra in a housing commission setting and was raised by his mother, Susan, with no father in the picture after his conception via sperm donation. He has said he was 'a bit different' growing up and faced bullying, but credited his mother with letting him be himself and a close bond with his older brother, Josh, who he describes as his best mate.

A DNA test later revealed Rudolf's heritage as roughly half Ashkenazi Jewish with German and some Italian ancestry, the result of a former girlfriend prompting the discovery. He says friendships and football matter more to him than starting a family and insists he is happy with how life has turned out. 'If I had a dad it might be like, 'This is the way it's meant to be and this is the way society should tell you to be',' he said. 'Growing up with an older brother, we hated each other, so it was really just me and mum. My brother and I are best friends now. I love him more than anyone.'

The Sharks entered the weekend in red-hot form, having won nine of their last ten matches and boasting one of the competition's best recent defensive records. Melbourne, meanwhile, regained key stars Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Shawn Blore for the playoff tilt.