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🇳🇿 New Zealand /Sports

Rugby League Must Rise to Kane Evans's Level of Courage

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Former NRL player Kane Evans publicly came out as gay, sharing his struggles with denial, suicidal thoughts, and blackmail.
  • Evans is the second former male NRL player to come out publicly, following Ian Roberts 30 years ago.
  • The article calls on the wider rugby league community to create a safe environment for players to be their true selves.

Former NRL prop Kane Evans has bravely come out as gay, sharing deeply personal struggles with denial, suicidal ideation, and blackmail during his playing career. Evans, who played in the NRL between 2014 and 2021 for the Roosters, Eels, and Warriors, revealed his truth on Channel Nine's 100% Footy, describing the moment as his "worst nightmare."

I had three goals in life - to play NRL, to buy my parents a house and then I was going to top myself.

— Kane EvansDescribing his past suicidal thoughts driven by his struggle with his identity.

Evans recounted a difficult journey, stating, "I had three goals in life - to play NRL, to buy my parents a house and then I was going to top myself." He explained that from a young age, he knew he was gay but built "walls" to escape his true identity. He spoke candidly about his battles with drugs and alcohol, his 135 days of sobriety, and periods of homelessness. He also revealed that people attempted to blackmail him upon learning of his sexuality.

From a young age, I knew that I'm gay but I went down every other avenue to build up these walls to be someone … to escape who I am.

— Kane EvansExplaining his long struggle with his sexual identity.

"They know, but I have to tell them. It has to come from my mouth," Evans said, expressing his anticipation to tell his parents. "Once I tell them, I'll be free. Nothing can stop me after that." He described feeling a sense of pride, looking in the mirror and smiling, no longer burdened by negative thoughts. "I'm a bit proud of myself and when I look at myself in the mirror now I'm going to smile and not have those bad thoughts."

They know, but I have to tell them. It has to come from my mouth. By the time this airs I will have told them already and I can't wait for that moment. Once I tell them, I'll be free. Nothing can stop me after that.

— Kane EvansExpressing his determination to come out to his parents and the liberation he anticipates.

Evans's courageous act makes him a pioneer in men's rugby league. He is only the second former male NRL player to publicly identify as gay, following Ian Roberts, who came out 30 years ago. While other professional players like Gareth Thomas and Keegan Hirst have also come out, they did so while still playing. The article urges the broader rugby league community to follow Evans's example by fostering an environment where all individuals feel safe to be their authentic selves, acknowledging this will be a significant challenge for a sport founded on egalitarianism.

I'm a bit proud of myself and when I look at myself in the mirror now I'm going to smile and not have those bad thoughts.

— Kane EvansReflecting on his newfound self-acceptance after coming out.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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