Former Queensland and Australian rugby league forward Carl Webb has passed away at the age of 42.
Webb had been battling motor neurone disease (MND) for the past four years and passed away on Thursday night, according to sources from the screenerlk.
A beloved figure in the NRL from 2000 to 2011, Webb was renowned for his powerful running game, excelling as either a prop or second row player.
Webb burst onto the scene with Brisbane during his debut year and made his State of Origin debut for the Maroons the following season.
His forceful try in a commanding 34-16 win over New South Wales significantly contributed to Queensland’s series victory.
Webb’s peak performances came after he moved to North Queensland in 2005, where he participated in most of his 12 Origin matches while with the Cowboys.
He also earned a single appearance for Australia in the renowned Centenary Test in 2008 and secured two caps for the Indigenous All Stars.
Webb concluded his career with one season at Parramatta before retiring in 2011, having played 187 NRL games.
In 2020, he disclosed that he had received an early diagnosis of motor neuron disease.
Webb is survived by four children.
North Queensland announced that both its matches against Brisbane in 2024 will be dedicated to honoring Webb’s life and career.
“Carl played a pivotal role in bringing about significant change at our club in the mid-2000s,” said Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel.
“He epitomized the spirit of a true footballer, relentless and one of the most resilient individuals to wear our jersey.
“His unwavering passion for the game was matched by the respect and affection he had not only for his teammates but for everyone he encountered.
“Even in recent times, battling this terrible disease, he found ways to bring smiles to his face and those around him.
“We offer our sincerest and deepest sympathies to Carl’s family and friends.”
Broncos coach Kevin Walters, who was Webb’s former teammate, expressed sorrow for the club’s loss.
“Today is an incredibly somber day,” Walters remarked in a Broncos statement.
“Life extends far beyond football, and Carl reminded us of what truly matters – family and friends. We are grateful for his presence as a part of the Broncos family for as long as he was.
“Each time he entered our doors, he commanded respect and admiration from many.
“Our aim is to foster good individuals, and there’s no finer example than Carl Webb — he’ll be greatly missed.”
Key points about Carl Webb :
- Webb featured for the Broncos, Cowboys, and Eels in the NRL.
- He represented the Maroons in State of Origin from 2001 to 2008.
- Webb competed in a single Test for the Kangaroos.
The stuff of legend
Another former teammate and current Queensland Rugby League CEO, Ben Ikin, also offered his respects to Webb.
“Everyone who followed Carl’s journey in recent years was moved by his courage,” Ikin expressed.
“I found it incredibly remarkable that a man who thrived on strength and dynamism could face the challenging effects of MND with such grace.
“While we admire Carl’s bravery in dealing with MND, let’s not overlook his legendary achievements in the Maroons jersey.
“His contributions to Queensland, some of them stretching the boundaries of accepted norms, will remain etched in State of Origin highlights indefinitely.
“Rugby league mourns the loss of an authentic warrior this week, and our sympathies are with Carl’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys honored Webb in a statement on Friday afternoon.
“Everyone who witnessed Carl’s battle would have been moved by his courage,” V’landys remarked.
“He was an intimidating player and competitor, one of the most resilient forwards of his era. His physical presence and aggression were unparalleled.
“He displayed every ounce of that toughness after his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis.
“Carl played a significant role in exceptional teams at the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys, representing Queensland on 12 occasions and earning selection for Australia in the Centenary Test in 2008.
“Carl also proudly represented the Indigenous All Stars, forever marking history by participating in the inaugural match in 2010.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend my condolences to Carl’s family, friends, and all those who shared the field with him and knew him.”
What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
ALS is a term used to describe a collection of illnesses impacting nerve cells known as motor neurons.
“The typical function of motor neurons involves transmitting signals from the brain through the spinal cord to the muscles,” explains the ALS Association’s website.
“These signals enable individuals to perform voluntary movements such as walking, swallowing, speaking, and breathing.
“However, in ALS, these nerves undergo damage and degeneration, resulting in a progressive weakening and atrophy of muscles.”
Indications may include tripping, challenges grasping objects, speech difficulties, and swallowing issues, all stemming from muscle weakening.
Presently, there is no cure, and in “90 to 95 percent of cases,” the origins remain unidentified.
“In the remaining five to 10 percent of instances, a genetic alteration triggers the condition,” states the ALS Association.
“The mutated gene is inherited from a parent.
“Although ALS shortens life expectancy, research indicates that a collaborative approach and timely treatments can enhance the quality of life for individuals living with ALS.”
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