Football's gay pioneer wants to start family

GAY former rugby league international Ian Roberts has revealed he wanted to start a family with his long-time partner.

Roberts and his partner of six years Andrew Cowie have told New Idea magazine about their desire for a family.

"Of course, when you grow up as a gay guy, you don't ever think of going down that road," Roberts told the magazine.

"But times have changed and we're thinking about it. Obviously, there are a lot of things for us to consider, both for us and, of course, through the child's eyes."

Roberts and Mr Cowie did not reveal exactly how they would start a family, but said their child would be loved.

"One thing I know for sure is that the child would be very much loved," Roberts said.

The former South Sydney, Manly Sea Eagles and North Queensland Cowboys player officially outed himself in his 1997 biography Ian Roberts: Finding Out. He became the first rugby league player to openly declare his homosexuality.

Roberts, who quit the sport in 1998 because of injury, also played for NSW and 13 tests for Australia.

He met Mr Cowie in 1995 through friends and the pair have been together since.

AAP