Former Warriors player Kane Evans has come out as gay in an emotional interview where he also detailed his battles with alcohol and drug addiction, and experiences of homelessness.
Evans, 34, spoke openly to Nine's 100% Footy show.
"I had three goals in life: to play NRL, to buy my parents a house, and then I wanted to top myself," Evans said.
"Because 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.
"I still can’t believe I'm here talking to you, this is definitely my worst nightmare, but I know if I surrender, it’s the 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. But I know there are people struggling with the same struggle 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."
He said he had been subject to blackmail in the past, which brought "shame and fear", but said "they've lost the power" now that he's gone public.
"Coming and just speaking today, fear shame and guilt, I've cut ties with all that, and I feel peace within, and I feel a weight has lifted off my shoulders."
Evans also played for the Roosters, Eels and Fiji, as well as in the UK Super League.
His contract with Hull was ended early, and when he returned to Australia he got into debt over a failed business venture.
"I started going down a slippery slope. Started numbing myself with alcohol and drugs," he said.
"Looking back now I realise there were deeper things I was masking, and I was just using every outlet I could until the point where I was couch-surfing and became homeless."
It was linking up with Joe Galuvao of the Rugby League Players Association that saw him enter rehab, and he also found support from his former Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
Evans was now over four months sober, and was going to come out to his parents, including his ill mother, before the interview went to air.
"I love my mum and dad so much and they know but I need to tell them, it has to come from my mouth," he said.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including warnings about powerful waves, and a former Warrior comes out. (Source: Breakfast)
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