Recently retired NRL star Kane Evans has opened up about getting a new lease on life after hitting rock bottom, sleeping rough in Sydney parks and battling addiction before picking himself up off the canvas.
Evans was a bruising prop in the NRL, playing 131 games for the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and NZ Warriors before finishing his career with Hull FC in the English Super League.
He also earned 13 caps playing for Fiji, and signed for Ron Massey Cup club Glebe Dirty Reds in 2024 following the conclusion of his time in first grade.
But everything soon began to unravel, with the former NRL star withdrawing from public life and facing periods of homelessness and addiction.
Now, Evans has returned to some of the locations where he slept rough to remind himself how grateful he is to have turned his life around – and has also announced that he is 100 days sober.
‘What a way to be humbled and feel grateful by waking up early, walking to go visit where I was not so long ago,’ Evans posted to Instagram on Sunday.
Kane Evans (pictured with the New Zealand Warriors in 2021) was a bruising prop in the NRL for three clubs before playing in England
The 34-year-old posted this photo to Instagram and revealed he had been sleeping rough in the park in the background before getting his life together
Evans has returned to some of the places he used to sleep in (pictured) as he shared his story of redemption
‘Four months ago, I slept in these parks and moved in the shadows. Tired of fighting the war within, I was hoping to pass away before getting the help I needed. I thank God that I got there with help from many.
‘To all those who housed me, looked out for me and prayed for me. Thank you. I love you. 100 days sober.’
The post has received thousands of comments and reactions, including support from past and present NRL stars like Latrell Mitchell, Viliame Kikau, Mitchell Pearce, Josh Mansour and Connor Watson.
Former Brisbane Broncos star Alex Glenn posted a message of support on the post.
‘Damn my brother, that’s strength.. to acknowledge the struggles but also to bounce back and show gratitude.. huge.. proud of you.. keep going.. it’s all worth it.. and keep telling your story too,’ he said.
Former NRL star and current RLPA boss Clint Newton added: ‘You are crushing it, mate. Keep going. You’ve got many more chapters to write.’
Evans has also found a new profession, working on construction sites with Sydney-based scaffolding business Oceania Access.
He has also shared images of his new clean-eating regime and is looking slim, strong and healthy after gaining control of his life again.
A number of past and present NRL players have offered their support to Evans after his battle with addiction left him on the streets
Evans is now working for a Sydney-based scaffolding company after his coffee shop closed in 2025. He has been sober for 100 days
Evans has also shared images of his clean-eating regime as he looks to rebuild his life
‘I can’t articulate how hard and rewarding it was checking myself into rehab in order to find understanding, self-love, healing, growth and purpose,’ Evans posted recently.
‘Letting go of all the energy that didn’t belong to me set me free.
‘I am humbled and grateful. Thank you God and my loved ones.’
There may even be a sporting comeback on the horizon for Evans, who has been unveiled as a competitor in Australia’s new boxing competition, World Bare Knuckle Fighting.
‘I’m very blessed for the opportunity and I can’t wait to throw some hands,’ he said.
The move comes after Evans first branched into hospitality after retiring from footy, going halves with business partner Frank Karipidis to open Bestic Espresso in the southern Sydney suburb of Kyeemagh.
It became a hub for former NRL players to enjoy a coffee and Evans said he was enjoying the new venture at the time.
‘I am still the same person, it is just a different field I am playing on. I am just trying to kill it and take over this game hopefully. I’ve got some good people around me … we are learning and growing together,’ he said.
Bestic Espresso closed permanently in 2025, coinciding with Evans’ rough years of living on the street.
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