Devastating detail about Carl Webb emerges amid beautiful act from former NRL clubs

Carl Webb reportedly had a fall at his family home on Thursday night and died shortly after. The former NRL player and Queensland State of Origin cult hero died at age 42 after a four-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease, leaving the rugby league community devastated.

It has since come to light that he had a fall at his home in Dalby, Queensland, and didn't recover. The tragic development came just four days before Christmas and has left his family shattered.

HE'S BACK: Anthony Watmough joins Brett Stewart in return to Manly

'NOT GOING ANYWHERE': Panthers smack down Jarome Luai move

A former rampaging forward, Webb had been battling MND since 2020 - a disease that affects the body's nerves and muscles to that point that they eventually deteriorate and stop working, leaving the person paralysed. Earlier this year the father-of-four said: “At the moment I’m still quite capable and independent. However, I’m under no illusions about what’s to come in the future.

"Raising a glass or bottle to my mouth to drink, those little arbitrary tasks throughout the day, are quite challenging now. I maintain a level of strength, getting out of bed every day so you can keep, sort of, and realising that you’re kind of trapped in a body that’s not working so well.”

The 42-year-old established the Carl Webb Foundation shortly after his diagnosis and has been spending the last four years helping to raise funds and awareness of the condition. "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," Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said on Friday.

"Every time he walked into our place, you felt the respect and admiration from so many. We're about building good people, and there's no better example of that than Carl Webb - he'll be dearly missed."

Broncos and Cowboys to honour Carl Webb's legacy

Webb made his debut in the NRL with Brisbane in 2000 and quickly became known as one of the toughest players in the game. He started a six-year stint with North Queensland in 2005, but missed that year's grand final through suspension.

The Broncos and Cowboys have announced that the 2024 Good Friday derby between the two clubs will honour Webb's legacy. "He was a footballer's footballer, uncompromising and one of the toughest to wear our jersey," Cowboys chief executive Jeff Reibel said.

"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."

ARL commission chairman Peter V'landys said: "Anyone who has come across Carl's battle will have been touched by his bravery. On behalf of the commission, I extend my condolences to Carl's family, friends and all those who played with and knew him."

Webb played 12 games for Queensland at State of Origin level, memorably scoring a try on Origin debut as a 20-year-old in 2001. He played in the first three series of Queensland's eight-year dynasty from 2006 to 2013 and represented Australia at Test level in 2008. He also played in the first Indigenous All Stars match in 2010, and spent the 2011 season with Parramatta before retiring.

with AAP

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.