'Proud of players wanting to be themselves': Webster praises courageous Evans for coming out

Warriors coach Andrew Webster believes the club has created an environment where players can be themselves and seek support for whatever challenges they are facing, after former prop Kane Evans came out publicly as gay.

Earlier this week, Evans gave an emotional interview about his struggles with addiction, homelessness and mental health while coming to terms with his sexuality, saying he had denied who he was since he was 15 and had been blackmailed over it throughout his career.

Speaking on 100% Footy on Australia’s Channel Nine network, Evans said denying his sexuality had become so difficult that he struggled with addiction and had planned to take his life.

He has received widespread support since his announcement, with members of the sporting community congratulating him on his latest social media post. Among those to respond was Israel Folau, who posted two love-heart emojis in a surprising gesture given his highly publicised departure from Rugby Australia after controversial comments about homosexuals.

Evans played 14 games for the Warriors during their turbulent 2021 campaign, when the team were based in Australia, and admitted he lost his way as his on-field aggression escalated in several late-season incidents.

While Webster did not cross paths with Evans at the Warriors, he praised his courage and hoped the announcement would encourage others to feel comfortable being themselves.

“I’m really proud of players wanting to be themselves, being honest about it and feeling they have a platform to do so,” Webster said.

“I’m sure it inspires anyone in the same situation who doesn’t feel comfortable to come out and be who they want to be, and gives them the courage to do so.

“I hope it gives him a lot of clarity and puts his mind at ease, and I hope it inspires anyone in sport, and in society, to come out and be themselves.”

Evans is just the second male player to come out publicly as gay in professional rugby league, following in the footsteps of former Australian international Ian Roberts. Former NRL referee Matt Cecchin has also revealed he is gay.

Evans, 34, said going public felt “like a weight has lifted off my shoulders”.

“I had three goals in life. That was to play NRL, 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’m gay, but I went from every other avenue to build up these walls. To be someone to escape who I am. I still can’t believe I am here talking to you.

“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, 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].”

While Webster said no player had spoken to him about their sexuality, he insisted anyone at the club would be fully supported if they did.

“I make it clear to my players that, regardless, they will always get to be themselves and we’ll always care about them. They don’t have to hide anything from our team.

“But if they did, I certainly would make it clear to them that they should feel comfortable to do so.”

Andrew Webster has been head coach of the Warriors since 2023. Photo / Photosport

Health and welfare have been big talking points in the NRL this season, with Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy being diagnosed with a form of neurodegenerative disorder, while South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Asked whether the Warriors were equipped to support players dealing with deeply personal issues, Webster pointed to the club’s welfare programme as one of its greatest strengths, led by former Warrior Jerry Seuseu.

“We’ve been voted the best welfare department in the NRL at different times in the last four years,” Webster said.

“We put a real package together for the players and wrap support around them in each different situation, whether it’s mental health or anything else they’re going through.

“We have an open-door policy where they can come and talk to any of us as coaches. If they want to have a private conversation, they’ve got someone there for them. It could be marriage counselling, it could be anything.

“Then there’s the education side: how can I get you a job when you leave the game? How can I make sure you’ve got a career, because this doesn’t last long? I think the support we wrap around them with ... we’re leaders in that space. We can always keep getting better, though.”

Kane Evans played 14 games for the Warriors in 2021. Photo / Photosport

Along with the Warriors, Evans has had stints at the Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Hull FC in the Super League. He also played in 13 tests for Fiji, representing the country at two World Cups.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has admitted the club could have done more to support Evans during his time there.

Evans said Robinson had been instrumental in his recovery and had personally paid four weeks of rent after Evans became homeless.

“I’m really proud of the club, but we still had a guy here for six years that didn’t feel open enough to say that he was gay while he was here,” Robinson said.

“There’s a lot of positivity coming towards Kane, and then even towards us, but we’re still not at a place where somebody can come out while they’re playing.

“And so the reflection for me has been that we do things to support our players and former players, and we try and do our best, but have we got the complete right environment? I think we can be better.

“I think there has been positivity this week, and there should be towards Kane because he’s the brave one. Towards us, I think it should be a reflection on how do we do better.

“There are more gay players in the game – there has to be – and we’re still not at a point where they will come out in the male game. They will in the women’s game, but not in the male game.”

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION

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If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.