Former NRL forward Kane Evans has shared a confronting but ultimately hopeful account of life after football, revealing he was sleeping rough, battling addiction and at his lowest point “hoping to pass away” before beginning a powerful recovery journey.
The 34-year-old, who played 131 first-grade games across the NRL for the Roosters, Eels and Warriors, says he hit rock bottom less than two years after retiring from professional rugby league.
But in a deeply personal Instagram post this week, Evans revealed a turning point: he is now “100 days sober”.
Alongside photos of himself revisiting parks and public spaces where he once slept out of sheer desperation, Evans reflected on how far he has come.
“What a way to be humbled and feel grateful by waking up early, walking to go visit where I was not so long ago,” he wrote. “Four months ago I slept in these parks and moved in the shadows.
“Tired of fighting the war within, I was hoping to pass away before getting the help I needed.
“I thank God that I got there with help from many.
“To all those who housed me, looked out for me and prayed for me. Thank you. I love you… 100 days sober.”
The post quickly drew an outpouring of support from across the rugby league community, with current and former players rallying around him. Former NRL and international representative Israel Folau wrote “keep going bro”, while ex-Brisbane Broncos captain Alex Glenn responded: “Damn my brother, that’s strength.. to acknowledge the struggles but also to bounce back and show gratitude.. huge.. proud of you.”
Evans’ journey has been a turbulent one since making his NRL debut in 2014. After stints in the top grade, he moved to the Super League with Hull FC for two seasons before returning to Sydney and playing lower-grade football. He also represented Fiji 13 times, NSW City once, and featured for the World All Stars in 2016.
More recently, Evans indicated he had signed with World Bare Knuckle Fighting, signalling a new and uncertain chapter beyond rugby league. The organisation described him as “one of the toughest to come out of the NRL now stepping into a different kind of fight game”.
But for Evans, the most important fight now appears to be the one he is winning day by day.
From sleeping in parks to counting 100 days sober, his story has become one of survival, accountability and slow rebuilding – a reminder that even after the darkest chapters, a different ending is still possible.
Images: Instagram
