NRL cult hero Carl Webb dead at age 42

A Queensland State of Origin cult hero has died just months after he bravely spoke publicly about his health.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article contains images of deceased persons.

NRL cult hero Carl Webb has died at the age of 42.

The NRL has confirmed the Queensland State of Origin icon died on Thursday as a result of his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Webb first revealed he’d been diagnosed with early onset MND in 2020 — in news that rocked rugby league.

The father-of-four had felt his condition deteriorate over the three years that he’d had the disease, which impacts nerve cells that control muscles, limiting the ability to move and speak.

He played 187 games throughout his NRL career with three clubs and played in 15 State of Origin matches.

He became a cult hero in Queensland for making an impact in short cameos on the field during Queensland’s era of State of Origin dominance.

According to News Corp, Webb had a fall on Thursday night at his Dalby home.

NRL supremo Peter V’landys on Friday paid tribute to Webb.

“Anyone who has come across Carl’s battle will have been touched by his bravery,” the Australian Rugby League Commission chairman 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 news has left footy fans devastated with News Corp’s Pater Badel describing it as “heartbreaking”.

2GB radio host Luke Grant said those close to Webb were shocked by how quickly the disease “brought him down”.

“From where he was to not being able to move in such a short period of time, apart from being tragically sad for those that loved him most, to see this bring someone down so quickly is just awful,” he said.

Carl Webb scores for Queensland.

Webb was in May recording his voice to prepare for a time when he was no longer able to speak.

His comments at the time are heartbreaking to read seven months later.

“Raising a glass or bottle to my mouth to drink, those little arbitrary tasks throughout the day are quite challenging now,” he told A Current Affair.

Known for his incredible strength during his playing career, Webb said he felt “kind of trapped in a body that’s not working so well”.

He said he kept a level of strength to get out of bed each day, but it was his partner of five years Cassandra Jamieson who helped him each day.

“It is the hardest thing to ever expect anyone to do, but there is a level of strength there that is just incredible and she turns up every day,” Webb said.