Updated ,first published
The NRL has lauded the courage of Kane Evans for coming out as gay, believing his stance will prompt important conversations that will assist others struggling with their sexuality.
Evans – a Fijian international who played for NRL clubs the Roosters, Eels and Warriors – detailed his struggles with alcohol, substance addiction and suicidal thoughts while wrestling with his sexuality during an emotional interview aired on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night.
The 34-year-old became just the second male player to publicly come out as gay in professional Australian rugby league, and the first to do so since pioneering former NSW Origin and Kangaroos star Ian Roberts 31 years ago.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo praised Evans for having the courage to share his struggles.
“You have to admire and respect Kane for being brave and telling his story, being comfortable to do that,” Abdo said.
“Hopefully that helps him as a human being and inspires others as well. I’m sure there are plenty of people that will feel more comfortable to have those conversations because they have seen someone playing in the NRL being vulnerable, honest and telling their story.
“It’s the greatest game for all for a reason. The support the Roosters, the players’ association, the NRL and everyone has shown in the game for Kane now and going forward is testament to that.”
The NRL first raised the prospect of introducing a Pride Round to celebrate sexual diversity in 2022, although there wasn’t support for the initiative at club level.
“It’s not on the agenda at the moment, but that’s not to say that will be the case down the track,” Abdo said.
“We have a range of things that promote inclusivity in its many different formats. It’s a matter for the commission to consider in the future whether that should ever change.”
Roberts became a trailblazer when he announced he was gay in 1994, while at the height of his playing career. The former NSW and Australian prop was mindful of not overshadowing Evans’ news, but felt it had the potential to change not only his life but those of others going through similar struggles.
“This is his moment. I’m very happy for him,” Roberts said. “I don’t want to talk about me, this is his moment. I’m very happy that he has found some peace, or that he’s starting to.”
Roberts, who is in the process of completing a documentary on his life, said Evans’ story would bring awareness to the struggles many males faced in coming to terms with their sexuality.
“Hopefully it will make a lot more people sit up and pay attention to what’s going on in the real world,” Roberts said.
Evans also received support from outside the rugby league community. Australian comedian and actor Magda Szubanski posted on X: “Oh sweetheart Kane Evans. I’m so sorry you’ve struggled so hard and so long. I know your pain. Many of us do. You are not alone. You will slowly heal. And you will feel pride and joy. Wrapping my fat old lesbian mama bear arms around you 🤗 Sending so much love #pride”.
NSW forward Victor Radley began his NRL career at the Roosters during Evans’ last season at the club.
“I love him as a bloke,” Radley said. “He’s such a good dude. I’m happy for him.”
Evans thanked the Roosters for their support throughout his career and made special mention of Trent Robinson. The premiership-winning coach even organised to pay for part of Evans’ mental health treatment when he learned of his plight.
“That doesn’t surprise me at all, that’s the type of club they are,” Radley said. “They look after their own and Kane is one of them. In 2017 when I started and he was in the side, he was the energy of the group.
“He was the one you’d want to see when you come into training, he was a good laugh. I can understand why the Roosters are supporting him and have said ‘this is your home.’
“He put everything he had into that club at the time he was there.”
While his professional career finished after a stint with English club Hull FC, Evans continues to play for the Glebe Dirty Reds, a local side that plays in the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions.
On their Facebook page, the Reds posted: “Not sure we’ve ever been prouder of a Glebe Dirty Reds player. What an amazing man. The absolute definition of brave. We’re behind you Kane. Can’t wait to see you run out for us again in a few weeks time.”
Rugby league great Andrew Johns also lauded Evans’ courage.
“He’s been struggling and hiding this for 20 years,” Johns told 100% Footy.
“It’s a very masculine environment in rugby league and he used words like guilt and fear and shamed. I can’t imagine the pain he has gone through at times.
“To come out now and tell the world, especially the rugby league world, it’s incredible the strength he has shown … he’s about to live the best part of his life, the second part of his life.”
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, you can contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 or Lifeline on 13 11 14
