Former NRL prop forward Kane Evans says he feels a “bit more free” after becoming only the second male NRL player to publicly come out as gay. In an emotional interview on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy, the 34-year-old opened up about years of struggling with addiction, homelessness, and suicidal thoughts while hiding his sexuality.
Evans said, “I had three goals in life…And it was to play NRL, to buy my parents a house, and then I wanted to top myself, because I was living in denial from a young age.” Evans credited former premiership player Joe Galuvao and the Rugby League Players Association for helping him seek rehabilitation and mental health support.
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson also supported Evans after rehab, helping cover rent costs and assuring him the club still had his back. Evans is the first men’s professional rugby league player to come out since Ian Roberts did so more than 30 years ago. Evans, who celebrated four months of sobriety in May, said he hopes sharing his story encourages others to live openly.
