NRL fans have expressed their support for rugby league icon Ian Roberts after the former player revealed this week that he has been diagnosed with epilepsy.
Roberts, 59, played 213 first-grade games during the 80s and 90s, representing South Sydney, Manly, and North Queensland. He also earned 11 State of Origin appearances for NSW and 13 Test caps for Australia. In 1995, Roberts made history as the first player in rugby league to come out as gay, receiving widespread support from both the sporting community and beyond.
Known for his tough, hard-hitting style, Roberts played in an era before concussion protocols and high-tackle crackdowns, which he believes has contributed to his current health condition. In a recent interview on Channel 9, Roberts opened up about his diagnosis.
“There are consequences long-term,” he said. “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.” He added that he had started a new medication process, which has helped him manage the condition.
Reflecting on his playing days, Roberts acknowledged that he would have made different choices had he known the long-term impact. “When you’re 19 and 20, you’re never going to be 50, you are never going to be 60, that is too far away,” he said. “But the fact is I’m 60 this year, and knowing what I know now, there are things I would have changed about my playing style.”
In particular, he mentioned the conscious decision he made in 1990 to focus on bigger hits and toughen his image, something he would now avoid.
Roberts Calls for End to ‘Run It Straight’ Craze
Alongside sharing his personal health struggles, Roberts also used his platform to speak out against the controversial ‘run it straight’ trend that has recently gained traction. The trend, which involves individuals running full-speed into an opponent for a heavy collision, has resulted in injuries and even a death in New Zealand last month.
“I’d like to send a shout-out to Mario Fenech and Rebecca Fenech,” Roberts said, acknowledging the struggles of fellow former players who have suffered brain damage and are dealing with dementia. “This is what we’re facing. ‘Run it straight’ is based on outrage, shares, and likes, but it is really dangerous.”
The Manly Sea Eagles are investigating after footage surfaced of fans participating in the trend during a home game against Brisbane last Saturday.
Roberts urged sporting bodies and governments to take action to end the dangerous trend. “These types of collisions have long-term, potentially catastrophic effects,” he said. “Parents need to know what their children are watching and what they’re doing. This is long-term, potentially catastrophic consequences for young people. We can’t keep ignoring it.”
NRL Fans Show Support
Following Roberts’ revelation, NRL fans flooded social media with messages of support, praising his courage in speaking out about his health battle. Many also joined him in calling for the ban of the ‘run it straight’ trend, expressing concern over the safety of young people involved in the activity.
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