Ian recalls a treasured moment with his former coach, and reflects on how much things have changed.

Ian Roberts started his career as a professional rugby league player in the mid 1980’s, playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys. He went on to play for NSW in 5 State of Origin series and over a dozen test matches for Australia. In 1994 at the high of his playing career Ian came out publicly and told the world he was a gay man, the first openly gay man in rugby league. Ian retired in 1998 due to injury, then in 2001 he studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. He has over 40 credited acting roles to his name. He performed this story at Riverside Theatres for Sydney World Pride.

Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.

The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.

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