WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article contains images of deceased persons.
Former Queensland enforcer Carl Webb has reportedly passed away after a four-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting the 42-year-old died on Thursday night, having been diagnosed with MND at the age of 39.
Click here to donate to the Carl Webb Foundation!
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MND is a progressive neuorological disorder that affects and damages the brain and nervis, weakening muscles before eventually paralysing the persons affected.
Webb reportedly had a fall at his home in Dalby on Thursday night and passed away shortly after.
“Anyone who has come across Carl’s battle will have been touched by his bravery,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys said.
“He was a fearsome player and competitor and one of the toughest forwards to play in his era. He had a physical presence and aggression which was unmatched.
“He showed every bit of that toughness following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease.
“Carl was a key part of some exceptional teams at Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys and as a result was able to represent Queensland on 12 occasions, while also being selected for Australia in the Centenary Test in 2008.
“Carl also represented the Indigenous All Stars – forever being part of history by playing in the first match in 2010.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend my condolences to Carl’s family, friends, and all those who played with and knew him.”
The former Broncos, Cowboys and Eels forward played 187 first games, 12 for the Maroons and represented Australia on a singular ocassion in 2008.
One highlight of his storied career came during his 2001 Origin debut, scoring a remarkably try as a 20-year-old to inspire Queensland to victory.
Following Webb’s diagnosis in February 2020 he was still able to move freely, however his condition took a decline in the last 18 months.
He lived in a modified Brisbane apartment and required a wheelchair to take longer walks, with his fine motor skills slowly failing.
According to the Brain Foundation, MND affects over 2000 people in Australia with two diagnosed with the disease every day.
Webb spoke of his condition with News Corp in 2021, explaining his muscle definition was beginning to “waste away”.
“I can see a big difference in the past year. I have declined a fair bit,” Webb said.
“Getting dressed in the morning is a task. I struggle to button my shirts up and pull my trousers and shorts up.
“I can still walk, but my legs are starting to get a bit sloppy. I drag my feet a bit. If I fall, it’s a real struggle to get back up. I can’t push myself up.
“Strength was a big thing for me, I was always strong, but now my strength is gone.”
Webb also sat down with Fox League’s Yvonne Sampson in September 2023, and was asked if he had any regrets.
“I’ve got a lot of regrets in life and I will live with those and I’m quite happy to but if I didn’t have my journey I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.
“I’m happy. I’m cool with it, it was a really good ride.
“Life after football was great, I’ve had my wonderful children. If I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t have this.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Following his diagnosis the Carl Webb Foundation for Motor Neurone Disease also began, hoping to spread awareness and raise funds to help those struggling.
Click here to donate to the Carl Webb Foundation!
