Former Hull FC prop Kane Evans has come out as gay, ending what he described as a 20-year internal battle. Speaking on 100% Footy, the 34-year-old said he had denied his sexuality since he was a teenager and that the pressure became unbearable.

Evans played more than 150 NRL games for the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and New Zealand Warriors before joining Hull FC. His announcement makes him only the second former or current NRL player to come out as gay after Ian Roberts did so more than 30 years ago.

On Channel Nine, Evans spoke plainly about addiction, shame and suicidal thoughts, saying he once saw suicide as one of his life goals. He said blackmail threats and attempts to out him worsened the fear and guilt he carried through his professional career.

The Rugby League Players Association helped him enter rehab, and Evans credited Joe Galuvao and former Roosters coach Trent Robinson for support. His interview gives rugby league a rare, direct account of the personal cost behind staying hidden in a hard-nosed sport.