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Former Rugby League Star in Australia Comes Out as Gay

On Monday, former National Rugby League player Kane Evans, a 34-year-old Fiji international, revealed in a Channel Nine interview that he struggled with addiction, suicidal thoughts, and homelessness while grappling with his sexuality over the past two decades.
Evans described living in denial from a young age, stating "I had three goals in life-- to play in the National Rugby League, to buy my parents a house, and then I wanted to top myself." He said he built walls to escape who he was.
Former Manly Sea Eagles stalwart Ian Roberts, the league's first openly gay player, applauded Evans and offered support for his public journey. Former NRL star Joe Galuvao told Evans he deserves to live a good life.
The NRL must decide whether homophobia will define it or if it will amplify support for players before they reach rock bottom. Evans' disclosure forces the league to confront its culture.
Few top-level male sportsmen in Australia have revealed their sexuality, making Evans one of the rare few alongside former A-League player Andy Brennan and basketball player Issac Humphries to do so since 2019.

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PerthNow

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The Queenslander

Center

We must support gay male players better, says NRL coach

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson is refusing to pat himself on the back after playing a part in helping ex-NRL star Kane Evans come out.

2 months ago·Osborne Park, Australia

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WA today

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Roosters coach admits club could have done better for Kane Evans

Trent Robinson has deflected praise for his and the Roosters support for Kane Evans, instead focusing on how rugby league can improve support for gay players.

2 months ago·City of Perth, Australia

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Sydney Morning Herald

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‘We have to do better’: Robinson admits Roosters could have done more for Kane Evans

Trent Robinson has deflected praise for his and the Roosters support for Kane Evans, instead focusing on how rugby league can improve support for gay players.

2 months ago·North Sydney, Australia

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NZ Herald

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Alice Soper: Kane Evans' honesty shows how little league has changed

This week, Kane Evans became only the second player in top-flight NRL history to come out pf the closet. More than 30 years after Ian Roberts, the first gay...

2 months ago·Auckland, New Zealand

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The Spinoff

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Sexuality, sport and shame: Kane Evans isn’t alone and that’s a problem

No matter the code, the problems are the same when it comes to sport, sexuality and shame, writes former New Zealand men’s netball captain Kruze Tangira. Watching former Wahs player Kane Evans come out this week started a lot of emotions swirling around. I want to say that all I felt was pride and awe at his strength and vulnerability – and I did feel those things – but I also felt old, uncomfortable feelings surface. I’ve been out since I was 1…

2 months ago·Auckland, New Zealand

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Daily Mirror

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Rugby star Kane Evans cuts ties with 'shame and guilt' as he comes out as gay

Former Hull FC prop Kane Evans has come out as gay, having battled his sexuality for 20 years and opening up about his mental health struggles in a powerful interview.

2 months ago·London, United Kingdom

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