Former Queensland and Broncos player Carl Webb passed away at the age of 42, leaving the rugby league in sadness.
Webb died on Thursday night, after a four-year struggle with motor neurone illness.
He is believed to have died as a result of a fall at his Dalby residence.
Webb, regarded as one of his generation’s most feared forwards, retired from the NRL in 2011 following a successful career spanning more than a decade in the top division.
He was originally diagnosed with MND in 2020 and spoke with Nine’s A Current Affair earlier this year about his challenges.
“I maintain a level of strength so you can keep getting out of bed every day,” he went on to say.
“Raising a glass or bottle to my mouth to drink—those little arbitrary actions throughout the day are pretty tough today.
“[I feel] kind of trapped in a body that’s not working so well.”
Following his diagnosis, Webb established his own organization to promote awareness and funding for individuals suffering from MND.
Webb, one of the most beloved individuals in North Queensland’s illustrious history, still holds the club record for bench press, having pushed an astonishing 187kg in the gym throughout his career.
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel honored the cult hero in a statement posted on Friday.
“Carl played a pivotal role in the transformational change at our club in the mid 2000’s,” he added.
“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 went on to say.
“Every time he went into our place, you could feel the respect and admiration of so many people.
“We’re about building good people, and there’s no better example of that than Carl Webb – he’ll be dearly missed.”
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy also expressed his respects and highlighted the club’s plans to celebrate Webb’s legacy in the future.
“Known by his teammates and Queenslanders alike for his strength and toughness as a player, it’s by far the resilience he showed in recent years, that has shown us all what true strength is,” the coach added.
“We were fortunate to have Carl in and around the club on a frequent basis; his presence and companionship were always appreciated and felt deeply by all.
“He leaves a legacy that goes far beyond the football field, and he will continue to inspire Broncos and Queenslanders for years to come; we have lost a real gentleman and warrior today.
“When the time is right, we will speak to Carl’s loved ones about how the club and the game can best celebrate Carl’s enormous life.”
During a press conference, Queensland Premier Steven Miles responded to the news and paid tribute to one of the state’s idols.
“It’s an awful, awful disease,” he explained.
“Carl Webb was an excellent player. I didn’t know him, but I know those who did, and they all complimented his character.
“My thoughts and prayers just go to go to his family, who will obviously be grieving.”
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys also paid tribute to Webb following his death, complimenting his toughness on and off the field.
“Anyone who has come across Carl’s battle will have been touched by his bravery,” he went on to say.
“He was a fearsome player and competitor, and one of the fiercest forwards of his day.
“He possessed a physical presence and intensity that was unparalleled. He demonstrated every bit of that resilience after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend my condolences to Carl’s family, friends, and all those who played with and knew him.”
The tough-as-nails enforcer debuted with the Broncos in 2000, where he spent five years before joining the Cowboys and being an integral component of the team for the next six.
During his career with both Queensland-based clubs, Webb wore the renowned Maroons shirt 15 times, as well as representing Australia once in 2008 and the Indigenous All Stars twice.
Webb retired from Parramatta in 2011, after playing only six games.
He is survived by his partner, Casandra, and four children.
Leave a Reply