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NRLW superstar Millie Boyle says she’s proud of Ellia Green after the former rugby sevens Olympic gold medalist announced he had transitioned to male.
Green was the face of the Aussie side that won gold in Rio back in 2016 and even spent a season in the NRLW with the Warriors in 2020 when the sevens tour was postponed due to international borders being shut.
But in an interview with the Associated Press, Green said life became tough after footy and that transitioning was the best decision he‘d ever made after suffering depression spending time in mental health facilities.
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“I spent a lot of time after I finished up my career with Australian rugby just in the house, in a dark room. I didn’t have the confidence to see anyone,” Green told AP.
“I was ashamed of myself. I felt I had let a lot of people down, especially myself and my mum.
“I felt like a complete failure, it was heartbreaking.
“The one thing that did keep me positive is that I had already planned my surgery and treatment towards my transition. It was something I was counting down the days with my partner.”
Green said he had identity issues from a young age and hopes his story can raise awareness and curb horrific rates of trans youth attempting suicide.
Boyle got to know Green during their time together in rugby, while the pair also bonded on the television show SAS earlier this year and played against each other in Round 1 of the 2020 NRLW season.
“I love Ellia, and the fact he’s brave and has the support to do what’s comfortable in his skin is amazing,” Boyle told the NCA NewsWire.
“He’ll always have my support and everyone’s support.
“He is one of the most beautiful humans you could ever meet and has just had a little baby so it’s great to see Ellia get to enjoy life after footy.
“We did SAS together and we’ve been in and out of footy camps together so Ellia is one of the best humans I’ve ever met.”
Titans halfback Lauren Brown also spent time with Green when they were in the sevens system, and she hopes Green’s decision will lead to positive change.
“It’s not something you hear about in footy, but I hope Ellia can give others the courage to do what makes them feel happiest and most comfortable,” Brown said.
“I’m super proud that he’s felt comfortable to do it now. It’s incredibly courageous and brave. I’m so proud because it’s great to see someone so comfortable in their own body and he’s beautiful, no matter what.”
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