New doco on NRL trailblazer set to ‘shake the game to its foundations’
An upcoming movie-length documentary on the life of trailblazing ex-league player Ian Roberts is set to shake the game to its foundations.
Roberts, a former Australian Test prop, made global headlines midway through his career in 1995, when he came out of the closet and revealed he was gay.
Ian Roberts. Nine
He was the first Australian sportsman to announce his homosexuality to the world.
But the documentary, called Light, has unearthed previously unknown ramifications of his decision to go public, such as four players from his own club going to the ARL demanding Roberts not be selected for the Kangaroos.
“It was incredibly hard for Ian at that time,” one source close to the production of the documentary told nine.com.au.
“Players didn’t want to share rooms with him, didn’t want to shower with him. The fact that four players from his own club - I won’t say which one - refused to go on an Australian tour with him, shows the level of hatred and homophobia he faced.”
The documentary is due for cinematic release early next year and will then be screened on the Nine Network and Stan.
Heath Davis, the writer and director, is in awe of Roberts’ courage.
“Ian is a legend – a true Aussie icon and a hero. There won’t be a dry eye in the house when people see what he went through,” Davis said.
“It is an inspirational story that goes beyond football. What he did saved lives of young guys in similar situations to him.
“A lot of people didn’t want this project to happen, but I have to thank the NRL, they co-operated in every way and gave us full access to their archives.”
Now aged 61, Roberts is a director of Qtopia, a museum of LGBTQ history and culture, and works as a part-time actor.
Earlier this year, former Roosters and Eels prop Kane Evans came out as gay in an emotional interview with Nine’s 100% Footy.
‘Homesick’ enforcer eyeing NRL return
Don’t be surprised if former Rabbitohs, Cowboys and Broncos prop Patrick Mago makes a return to the NRL in 2027.
A barnstorming ball runner, Mago has played over 120 games for Wigan over the past five seasons, claiming two Super League titles and three Challenge Cups.
Patrick Mago during the 2024 World Club Challenge. Getty
But word from the Old Dart is that the Kiwi-born Mago is getting homesick and wants to return to the NRL next season.
The veteran forward is off-contract but feels he has another year or two in him and at least two NRL clubs are keen on him.
Players’ ultimatum over unpopular coach
Which member of an NRL club’s coaching staff has rubbed a lot of players the wrong way?
So much so that several players are saying if the coach stays for 2027, they will be on the move, or examining their options. Watch this space for developments.
Dragons land speedy teen
St George Illawarra have signed promising outside back Elliot Gunner for 2027.
Gunner, who is equally at home at fullback, wing or centre, starred for Brisbane Tigers under 16s this year.
The Broncos were keen to keep the speedy youngster in their development system but he and his manager thought the path to NRL level would be quicker at the Dragons.
