Former Warriors prop Kane Evans has told fans he was homeless, struggling with addiction and hoping to “pass away” before becoming sober.
The 34-year-old revealed he is “100 days sober” after struggling with rough sleeping and facing substance abuse problems nearly two years after his retirement.
“What a wayto be humbled and feel grateful by waking up early, walking to go visit where I was not so long ago,” he captioned a series of photos of him at different outdoor settings.
“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.
“Damn my brother, that’s strength... to acknowledge the struggles but also to bounce back and show gratitude... huge... proud of you,” wrote former Kiwi Alex Glenn.
Evans made his debut in 2014 and played 131 NRL games in his career for the Roosters, Eels and Warriors.
He played 14 games for the New Zealand-based side and averaged 17 tackles at 95% efficiency and 70m with ball in hand.
Evans had international experience with Fiji, playing 13 times for the South Pacific island nation, while also being selected for NSW City once and the World All Stars in 2016.
The Warriors released him from his contract in 2021 so he could sign with English Super League club Hull FC, but he later returned to Sydney to play lower-grade league.
A separate post from three weeks ago appeared to show Evans signing a contract with World Bare Knuckle Fighting, with the league captioning the post: “One of the toughest to come out of the NRL now stepping into a different kind of fight game.”
DRUG SAFETY
Where to get help:
• 0800 METH HELP (0800 6384 4357)
• Alcohol Drug Helpline (Phone 0800 787 797 or text 8681)
• They also have a Māori line on 0800 787 798 and a Pasifika line on 0800 787 799
