LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
NRL fans are expressing overwhelming support for rugby league icon Ian Roberts after he disclosed his recent epilepsy diagnosis.
Roberts, who had a distinguished career playing 213 first-grade games with teams like South Sydney, Manly, and North Queensland during the 80s and 90s, also represented NSW in 11 State of Origin matches and played 13 Tests for Australia.
He made history in 1995 as the first player in the sport to come out as gay, receiving widespread backing from both the sporting community and beyond.
At 59, Roberts, known as a tough forward, has faced significant health challenges stemming from a career played before the implementation of modern concussion protocols.
This week, he publicly acknowledged the impact of his past on his well-being.
"There are consequences long-term," he mentioned in an interview on Channel 9.
He elaborated, "In the last 12 months I've had a bit of an issue myself.
I was just recently diagnosed with epilepsy.
I reckon the damage I did to myself was not taking the shots (tackles), it was making the shots."
Despite his diagnosis, Roberts is optimistic, stating, "I'm good, I just started a new process with medication which has really helped." Reflecting on his career, he noted that he would reconsider certain aspects of how he played if given the chance.
"When you're 19 and 20, you're never going to be 50, you are never going to be 60, (because) that is too far away," he explained.
The support from fans and the NRL community highlights the respect and admiration they have for Roberts, not only for his contributions on the field but also for his courage in sharing his personal challenges.
His story resonates as a reminder of the physical toll that the sport can take on players, especially as awareness of such issues grows in the rugby league world.