More than three decades after he became the first rugby league player in the world to publicly come out as gay, Ian Roberts has praised former NRL enforcer Kane Evans for sharing his own story and hopes to personally offer him support.
Evans, 34, revealed in an emotional television interview on Monday night that he is gay, ending what he described as a lifelong battle with his sexuality that drove him to addiction, homelessness and thoughts of suicide.
The former Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors and Hull FC forward said he had spent almost 20 years fighting a private war while trying to hide who he really was.
His announcement immediately drew support from across the rugby league community, but few people understood the significance of the moment better than Roberts.
In 1994, Roberts was at the peak of his career when he became the first high-profile Australian sportsman and first rugby league player in the world to publicly come out as gay.
Now 60, Roberts said watching Evans tell his story brought back powerful memories of his own journey.
Kane Evans revealed his sexuality after a decades-long battle that nearly cost him everything
Evans became the first Australian rugby league player since Ian Roberts to come out
‘It was one of those extraordinary moments and I am so proud of him,’ Roberts told News Corp.
‘I want to leave this to Kane, this is his moment, it’s not mine.
‘But I was in tears watching Kane’s interview.
‘Everything he was saying … I thought ‘this poor kid’, I know exactly where he is in his head, what he is going through, the extremes of uncertainty of your own sense of self and your sense of other people.’
Roberts said Evans’ story would resonate with many members of the LGBTQ community who have struggled with acceptance and identity.
‘The way you are viewed by your family, the levels of trust or no trust, everything is so heightened and escalated,’ he said.
‘You walk around thinking are people are looking at me?
‘Any queer person would absolutely understand what he is going through.’
Roberts said he immediately recognised the pain Evans described during his emotional interview
The rugby league pioneer has offered personal support to Evans following his announcement
Roberts believes other gay male athletes remain hidden in professional team sports
Roberts said he hopes to meet Evans in the coming weeks and offered to be a source of support as he begins a new chapter in his life.
‘I am here for Kane 100 per cent,’ Roberts said.
‘I’m here to help him.
‘If he wants to speak to him, I would love to be there for him. I would love to give him a hug and anything I can do I will be there for him.
‘I’ve walked in Kane’s shoes.’
Evans’ revelation came after years of personal turmoil.
The Fiji international told Channel Nine’s 100% Footy that he had spent much of his life trying to escape his sexuality.
‘I know that I’m gay,’ Evans said.
Evans credited Joe Galuvao with helping him seek treatment and rebuild his life
Evans revealed he struggled with addiction, homelessness and suicidal thoughts for years
Evans is now rebuilding his life, is clean and sober and has found a new profession
‘But I went down every other avenue to sort of build up these walls. To be someone, to escape who I am.’
The 154-game NRL veteran revealed he had been couch surfing, sleeping in parks and battling drug and alcohol issues before seeking help through the Rugby League Players’ Association.
He credited former NRL player Joe Galuvao and Roosters coach Trent Robinson with helping him rebuild his life.
Evans said speaking publicly had immediately lifted a burden he had carried for years.
‘I feel peace within, and I feel like a weight has lifted off my shoulders,’ he said.
‘I’m a bit proud of myself and when I look in the mirror, I’m going to smile now, not have those bad thoughts.’
Roberts believes Evans’ decision could have a profound impact on others facing similar struggles.
The former State of Origin and Kangaroos star has long argued that there are other gay players competing in professional men’s sport who remain afraid to speak publicly about their sexuality.
‘There are so many other men playing professional team sports who are gay and living in the closet and suffering,’ Roberts said.
If you need support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
