NRL news 2023; Carl Webb dead at 42 after motor neurone disease battle
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WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who is deceased.
Rugby league is in mourning after the death of former Queensland and Broncos star Carl Webb at age 42.
Webb died on Thursday night following a four-year battle with motor neurone disease.
It is understood he died after a fall at his home in Dalby.
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Regarded as one of the most feared forwards of his generation, Webb retired from the NRL in 2011 after an impressive career that spanned over a decade in the top grade.
He was first diagnosed with MND in 2020 and told Nine’s A Current Affair earlier this year of the struggles that had come with his battle.
“I maintain a level of strength so you can keep getting out of bed every day,” he said.
“Raising a glass or bottle to my mouth to drink, those little arbitrary tasks throughout the day are quite challenging now.
“[I feel] kind of trapped in a body that’s not working so well.”
Webb started a foundation in his own name after learning of his diagnosis, designed to raise awareness and funds for those suffering from MND.
As one of the most beloved figures in North Queensland’s storied history, Webb still holds the club record for bench press, pushing out an incredible 187kg in the gym during his career.
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel honoured the cult hero in a statement released on Friday.
“Carl played a pivotal role in the transformational change at our club in the mid 2000’s,” he said.
“He was a footballer’s footballer, uncompromising and one of the toughest to wear our jersey.
“His unrelenting intensity in which he played the game was matched off the field by the respect and love for not just his teammates, but for everyone who came in contact with him.
“Even in recent times, when fighting this horrible disease, he found a way to put a smile on his face and those around him. We extend our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Carl’s family and friends.”
His aforementioned feats of strength inside the gym also remain to this day at the Broncos, where he benched 180kg and squatted 252.5kg during his stint with the club, still holding the record two decades removed.
On the field, Webb impressed some of the biggest names the game has seen at Red Hill with his powerful hard-nosed approach, with current head coach Kevin Walters reflecting on his fallen teammate.
“Life is about more than footy, and Carl reminded us what’s truly important – family and friends, and we are so grateful to have had him as part of the Broncos family for as long as we did.,” he…
Read More: NRL news 2023; Carl Webb dead at 42 after motor neurone disease battle 2023-12-23 13:36:44