Concussed by Cement and Gay Clubs with Toovey

Today on Kenty Prime Time, Paul Kent and Johnny Elias are joined by a true legend of the game, Ian Roberts. In a wide-ranging and deeply personal interview, the former Test prop opens up about his recent health battles, his trailblazing journey as the first openly gay high-profile rugby league player, and the brutal reality of life in the front row.

A New Battle: Epilepsy and Head Trauma

The conversation begins with Ian’s recent diagnosis of epilepsy, a revelation he first shared publicly after seeing the bravery of former players like Mario Fenech, Royce Simmons, and Wally Lewis in owning their health.

Ian admits that he is not as sharp as he used to be and recounts terrifying episodes of losing time while driving or in the shower. He reflects on the madness of his playing days, where getting knocked out was a badge of honour and players like Les Davidson would literally train teammates on how to cut people in half.

The Cement Incident and the Wet Sponge

Ian shares a classic, albeit sobering, story from 1986. During an Anzac Day clash against Canterbury, he was hit so hard by David "Cement" Gillespie that he woke up looking at the blue sky, genuinely believing he was at Bondi Beach. The only medical treatment at the time was a wet sponge to the face before being sent back onto the field. He stresses that the consequences of these hits are real and hopes today’s younger fans understand that concussion protocols are about long-term health, not softness.

Validation at the Penthouse

In one of the most touching segments, Ian recalls a pivotal moment during the 1994 Kangaroo Tour. Fearing he was about to be dropped by coach Bob "Bozo" Fulton, Ian was called to the penthouse for a private chat. Instead of a lecture on football, Fulton—clearly nervous—simply wanted to tell Ian that he did not care about his sexuality and that he and his partner were respected. Ian describes this as a pinnacle moment where he felt validated not just as a gay man, but as a footballer.

The Manly Jersey Controversy

Kenty and Ian revisit the 2022 Manly Pride jersey saga. While they held different views at the time, Ian explains that for him, the jersey was about a simple message: everyone is welcome here. He reveals a conversation with Des Hasler weeks after the fallout, where the coach admitted he had learned that some things are more important than two points. Ian notes that while the men’s game still has an uncomfortable undercurrent regarding sexuality, the women’s game has successfully embraced inclusion as a non-issue.

Dressing Room Tales: Pests and Mirrors

To wrap up, Ian dives into some lighthearted memories:

• The Biggest Pest: Terry Hill. Ian describes rooming with him as like having the radio on 24/7.
• The Mirror Obsession: Matthew Ridge. Ian recalls Ridge being pampered, plucked, and manicured at all times.
• The Allies: Ian heaps praise on teammates like Geoff Toovey and Steve Menzies, who were so embracing of his identity that they even joined him at gay clubs to show their support.

Watch the whole episode on Fanatics TV.

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