Trent Robinson Wants The NRL To Do Better By Its Gay Players
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson says rugby league still has work to do before gay men feel safe coming out, days after his former player Kane Evans became the first male professional rugby league player to come out since Ian Roberts more than 30 years ago.
Evans, 34, shared his story in an emotional interview on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday. The prop played 131 games in the National Rugby League (NRL) for the Roosters, Parramatta and the Warriors, and spoke about hiding his sexuality throughout his career, alongside battles with drug addiction, suicidal thoughts and homelessness.
The coach who refused to take credit
Robinson gave Evans his NRL debut in 2014, helped pay his rent at one point, and welcomed him back to the club after a stint in rehabilitation. When Evans publicly thanked him, the coach turned the praise back on the game itself.
“I’m really proud of the club, but still, I 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.
“We’re still not at a place where somebody can come out while they’re playing… have we got the complete right environment still? We can be better.”
More players are waiting
Robinson is certain Evans isn’t the only one. “There are more gay players in the game, there has to be, and we’re still at a point where they won’t come out in the male game; they will in the women’s game,” he said. “We’re heading in the right direction, but suicide rates are really still very high because they don’t feel comfortable enough.”
He’s right to ask why. We’ve seen women’s rugby league celebrate its out stars for years, yet the men’s game went three decades between Roberts and Evans. How many careers played out in silence in between?
Robinson’s measure of success is simple. “Our place is safe enough, comfortable enough, where we look after everybody, and then we play tough footy on the back of it.”
If this story brings anything up for you, please consider contacting one of these free services available within Australia.
Lifeline Australia offers 24/7 crisis support via phone on 13 11 14 or through web chat services available at Lifeline.org.au.
Beyond Blue provides support via phone at 1300 22 4636 and also offers web chat options through their website, Beyondblue.org.au.
QLife offers dedicated LGBTQIA+ support services. You can reach them by phone on 1800 184 527 or find web chat details at qlife.org.au.
You can also search “Queer and LGBTQI+ community support services in Australia” at www.ABC.net.au for additional local resources.
In the USA…
The Trevor Project provides help internationally via their website TheTrevorProject.org/get-help/.
