'Tired of fighting the war within': Former NRL star reveals homelessness, addiction battle
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Former NRL player Kane Evans has revealed he was sleeping rough, battling addiction and "hoping to pass away" before turning his life around recently.
The 34-year-old hit rock bottom barely two years since retiring from professional rugby league.
He took to Instagram earlier this week to reveal he is "100 days sober".
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Photos from Kane Evans' post. Instagram
"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 alongside several photos of himself at various parks and outdoor areas.
"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.
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Photos from Kane Evans' post. Instagram
"To all those who housed me, looked out for me and prayed for me. Thank you. I love you... 100 days sober."
His post attracted several comments from former and current NRL players.
Israel Folau wrote "keep going bro" while Alex Glenn wrote, "Damn my brother, that's strength.. to acknowledge the struggles but also to bounce back and show gratitude.. huge.. proud of you."
Photos from Kane Evans' post. Instagram
Evans played 131 NRL games between the Roosters, Eels, and Warriors after making his debut in 2014.
He went to the Super League and played two seasons with Hull FC before returning to Sydney and playing some lower grade football.
He also represented Fiji 13 times, NSW City once and played for the World All Stars in 2016.
Kane Evans training with the Eels. AAP
In a separate Instagram post three weeks ago, Evans appears to have signed a contract with World Bare Knuckle Fighting.
The league wrote, "One of the toughest to come out of the NRL now stepping into a different kind of fight game. No date. No opponent. Just a problem waiting".
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