CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses Suicide and Addiction.
Former NRL enforcer Kane Evans has come out as gay, becoming just the second male player in Australian rugby league history to do so after Ian Roberts did 31 years ago.
Evans, 34, played 131 NRL games across the Roosters, Eels and Warriors, alongside 13 appearances for Fiji and a stint in the Super League with Hull.
Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, Evans shared how long he had been grappling with his sexuality, and the toll it took on his life.
“I had three goals in life,” Evans said.
“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.
“I know that. I know that I’m gay. But I went down every other avenue to build up these walls. To be someone, to escape who I am.”
Evans revealed he had been struggling to accept his sexual identity since he was a teenager alongside addiction issues and periods of homelessness. He also said he had faced threats from people attempting to expose his sexuality before he was ready.
“I still can’t believe that I’m here talking to you,” he told host James Bracey.
“This is definitely my worst nightmare. But I know if I surrender, it’s just going to be a start to a new life. I’ve been fighting a war within since I was about 15 years old. And it’s not sustainable.
“I was sleeping in parks, doing drugs, trying to ultimately pass away so I didn’t have to come to this (conversation).
“But I know that there’s people who are struggling with the same struggle that I’ve gone through. So I’m very blessed that I can come here and talk to you, and be able to save a life or two.”
Evans said support from the Rugby League Players Association helped him enter rehab, and he marked more than four months of sobriety in May.
He also spoke about the relief that has come with finally being open.
“I started questioning; ‘Maybe death isn’t the plan for me yet. Maybe I do deserve to go and get help’,” he said.
“I’ve carried [hiding my sexuality] around my whole life. I’m here today to show people that you don’t have to live like that. Even now I feel a bit more free, just by saying it out loud, I’ve brought it to the light.
“Even over the years when I’ve tried to go down that path [coming out], I’ve had people blackmail me. I’ve had people try to throw me under the bus, I’ve had people try to deflect their problems by trying to out me. And it just built up a lot of shame, and fear and guilt within myself.
“Now I’ve spoken about it, I’ve shattered all those chains. They’ve lost their power. I feel like coming and speaking to you today, fear, shame, guilt — all of that, I’ve cut ties with all that.
“I feel peace within, and I feel like a weight has lifted off my shoulders.”
Kane shared a Instagram Post after the news came out with the caption: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I love and accept who I am. Thank you God. Sa liu o koya.”
Fans flocked to his comment section to show him support.
“That was a very brave interview Kane.❤️ I am sorry for what you have been through to this point, and I truly believe you will help a lot of younger men struggling with those some feelings. I commend you brother,” wrote one user.
“The most courageous thing to come out of League in years! Thank you for leading the way uso,” said another.
Evans’ announcement sits alongside a slow but meaningful shift in men’s professional sport. In the past 12 months, former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown became the first male AFL player to come out as bisexual back in August 2025, while ex-Brisbane Lions player Leigh Ryswyk also came out as gay earlier this year in March.
Help is available.
If you’re in distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online. If it’s an emergency, please call 000.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Reach out to Headspace or Beyond Blue for support, or make an appointment with your GP.
Lead image: Getty
The post ‘I’ve Been Fighting A War Within’: Ex-NRL Forward Kane Evans Comes Out As Gay appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
