Blab Sports
Former NRL Prop Kane Evans Announces He Is Gay, Says Extortion Threats Are Over
Kane Evans, the former National Rugby League (NRL) prop who represented Fiji and played for clubs such as the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors and Hull FC, has publicly confirmed that he is gay. In an interview released by the Associated Press, Evans said he no longer has to worry about extortion threats or about his family discovering his sexuality before he chooses to tell them.
Evans was born on 9 January 1992 in Australia. He began his professional career with the Sydney Roosters in 2012 and later played for the Parramatta Eels (2014–2015), the New Zealand Warriors (2016–2018) and Hull FC in the English Super League (2019–2020). In 2021 he signed with the Glebe Dirty Reds of the New South Wales Rugby League. Internationally, Evans earned caps for Fiji, was selected for New South Wales City and played for the World All Stars. He was also part of Fiji’s squads at the 2013 and 2017 Rugby League World Cups.
During his playing career, Evans faced a series of extortion and blackmail threats. On 19 July 2023, the NRL launched an investigation after cameras at a club ground captured Evans’ wrist tape displaying an obscene message that read “Fold some c**t.” The investigation was prompted by reports that Evans had received threats that would force him to reveal his sexuality. The league’s inquiry confirmed that the threats were part of a broader blackmail campaign aimed at exploiting Evans’ private life.
Evans has spoken publicly about the mental health toll of these threats. He has described a long history of substance abuse and suicidal thoughts that were linked to the pressure of hiding his sexuality. In a candid interview with Sky News, Evans said he had struggled with being gay for 20 years and that the blackmail attempts intensified his anxiety and led to periods of depression.
His announcement is the second time a male NRL player has come out publicly. The first was Ian Roberts, who revealed his sexuality in 1995 while still an active player. Roberts’ disclosure was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in Australian sport. Evans’ decision to come out adds a new chapter to the conversation about inclusivity in rugby league.
The NRL has issued statements supporting Evans and reaffirming its commitment to a safe and inclusive environment for all players. Club officials from the Glebe Dirty Reds have expressed solidarity, and the league’s diversity and inclusion office has offered additional resources to players dealing with personal challenges.
Evans said he feels relieved that the extortion threats have ended. He also noted that he can now decide when to share his story with his family, rather than feeling forced to do so under duress. While he continues to play for the Glebe Dirty Reds, Evans indicated that he is focusing on his recovery and his career moving forward.
The league’s response to Evans’ situation has been monitored by observers of sports governance. The NRL’s policy on anti‑harassment and player welfare was cited as a framework that helped address the blackmail allegations. The league’s public statements emphasize that any form of intimidation or extortion is unacceptable.
Looking ahead, Evans will remain on the Glebe roster for the remainder of the season. The club’s schedule includes upcoming fixtures against the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. While Evans’ personal journey continues, the broader rugby league community is expected to maintain its support for his well‑being and professional development.
In summary, Kane Evans’ public confirmation of his sexuality marks a significant moment for representation in the NRL. The end of extortion threats and his decision to control when he shares his story with family signal a turning point in his personal life. The league’s ongoing support and the absence of further blackmail incidents suggest a positive trajectory for Evans’ future both on and off the field.
Evans was born on 9 January 1992 in Australia. He began his professional career with the Sydney Roosters in 2012 and later played for the Parramatta Eels (2014–2015), the New Zealand Warriors (2016–2018) and Hull FC in the English Super League (2019–2020). In 2021 he signed with the Glebe Dirty Reds of the New South Wales Rugby League. Internationally, Evans earned caps for Fiji, was selected for New South Wales City and played for the World All Stars. He was also part of Fiji’s squads at the 2013 and 2017 Rugby League World Cups.
During his playing career, Evans faced a series of extortion and blackmail threats. On 19 July 2023, the NRL launched an investigation after cameras at a club ground captured Evans’ wrist tape displaying an obscene message that read “Fold some c**t.” The investigation was prompted by reports that Evans had received threats that would force him to reveal his sexuality. The league’s inquiry confirmed that the threats were part of a broader blackmail campaign aimed at exploiting Evans’ private life.
Evans has spoken publicly about the mental health toll of these threats. He has described a long history of substance abuse and suicidal thoughts that were linked to the pressure of hiding his sexuality. In a candid interview with Sky News, Evans said he had struggled with being gay for 20 years and that the blackmail attempts intensified his anxiety and led to periods of depression.
His announcement is the second time a male NRL player has come out publicly. The first was Ian Roberts, who revealed his sexuality in 1995 while still an active player. Roberts’ disclosure was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in Australian sport. Evans’ decision to come out adds a new chapter to the conversation about inclusivity in rugby league.
The NRL has issued statements supporting Evans and reaffirming its commitment to a safe and inclusive environment for all players. Club officials from the Glebe Dirty Reds have expressed solidarity, and the league’s diversity and inclusion office has offered additional resources to players dealing with personal challenges.
Evans said he feels relieved that the extortion threats have ended. He also noted that he can now decide when to share his story with his family, rather than feeling forced to do so under duress. While he continues to play for the Glebe Dirty Reds, Evans indicated that he is focusing on his recovery and his career moving forward.
The league’s response to Evans’ situation has been monitored by observers of sports governance. The NRL’s policy on anti‑harassment and player welfare was cited as a framework that helped address the blackmail allegations. The league’s public statements emphasize that any form of intimidation or extortion is unacceptable.
Looking ahead, Evans will remain on the Glebe roster for the remainder of the season. The club’s schedule includes upcoming fixtures against the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. While Evans’ personal journey continues, the broader rugby league community is expected to maintain its support for his well‑being and professional development.
In summary, Kane Evans’ public confirmation of his sexuality marks a significant moment for representation in the NRL. The end of extortion threats and his decision to control when he shares his story with family signal a turning point in his personal life. The league’s ongoing support and the absence of further blackmail incidents suggest a positive trajectory for Evans’ future both on and off the field.
