Former Hull FC prop Kane Evans has publicly come out as gay, describing a gruelling 20-year internal battle with his sexuality that left him feeling suicidal. The 34-year-old front-row forward, who played for the Black and Whites during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, becomes only the second former or current NRL player to come out as gay, following Ian Roberts who did so over 30 years ago.
A Heavy Burden Since Age 15
Evans, who amassed over 150 NRL appearances for the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, and New Zealand Warriors, revealed he had carried the burden of his sexuality since he was 15. Speaking on 100% Footy on Australia's Channel Nine network, he said: "I was living in denial from a young age. 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."
He admitted that the internal conflict was unsustainable: "I've been fighting a war within since I was about 15 years old. I was sleeping in parks, doing drugs, trying to ultimately pass away so I didn't have to come to this." However, he expressed hope that his story could help others: "I know that there are people who are struggling with the same struggle. I'm very blessed that I can come here and talk to you and be able to save a life or two."
Turning His Life Around
Evans recently overcame drug addiction and homelessness in Sydney, securing a rented home and returning to bush rugby league. He credited Joe Galuvao, from the RLPA's past players and transition programme, and former Roosters coach Trent Robinson for their support. "Joe said, 'You deserve to live a good life and you deserve healing.' That's when I started questioning, maybe death isn't in the plan for me yet," Evans said.
Robinson reached out after Evans left rehab: "He called me just to let me know that the Roosters are still my home and they've got my back. He took me to Roosters HQ and told me the Roosters are paying for my mental health. Robbo, out of his own money, paid four weeks of my rent."
Cutting Ties with Shame and Guilt
Evans described the relief of coming out: "I've carried it around my whole life. Even now I feel a bit more free; just by saying it out loud, I've brought it to the light. I've had people blackmail me, try to out me. It built up a lot of shame and fear and guilt. Now I've shattered all those chains. I've cut ties with all that." He added: "I feel peace within, and I feel like a weight has lifted off my shoulders. I'm a bit proud of myself and when I look in the mirror, I'm going to smile now."
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