Former rugby league hardman Ian Roberts has inspired the NRL to publicly announce their support for legalising same-sex marriage.
Roberts became the first openly gay rugby league player in the world when he came out in 1994.
Last week, Roberts sent a passionate email to NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg imploring him and the organisation to state their support for the ‘yes’ vote in this month’s postal plebiscite in Australia, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Former rugby league hardman Ian Roberts has written a passionate email to the NRL asking them to support same-sex marriage
Ian Roberts was a fearsome force during his playing days as a front rower in the NRL
Roberts said the death of 13-year-old Tyrone Unsworth inspired him to get behind the cause
After sending the email, Roberts, 52, said he received a call from Greenberg confirming they would be endorsing the ‘yes’ vote.
‘I had tears in my eyes mate,’ Roberts said.
‘I’ve never felt so proud about our game. This will save lives. This is a moment in time that will be remembered forever.’
Roberts said the death of 13-year-old Tyrone Unsworth earlier this year was the instigator for his impassioned plea to the NRL.
‘The poor kid was bullied at school for being gay.
‘That’s what triggered me into doing this. His passing will not be in vain.’
Roberts said NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg called him to say the organisation would be publicly supporting voting ‘yes’ in the same-sex marriage plebiscite
Roberts, 52, said he wanted rugby league to be a leader on the issue of same-sex marriage
Roberts, now an actor, has been in a relationship with his partner Daniel for 11 years, but remains undecided if the pair will marry should same-sex marriage become legal.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the NRL for comment.
In the email to Todd Greenberg, Roberts said he wanted the NRL to come forward with their support for same-sex marriage given the exposure rugby league was getting as the finals series kicks off.
He asks the NRL to be a leader on the issue as it has been in regards to indigenous Australians and domestic violence against women.
Roberts said he had ‘tears in his eyes’ when Greenberg called him to confirm their support