NRL 2023: Queensland great Carl Webb reveals daily battle with motor neurone disease

Carl Webb still owns a number of gym records at NRL clubs but when simple daily tasks suddenly became impossible he knew something was seriously wrong.

Carl Webb speaks about his battle with MND. Photo: Zak Simmonds

Queensland great Carl Webb remembers the first time he struggled to do 10 push-ups.

For a forward who epitomised toughness and strength – his gym records at Brisbane remain unbroken 20-years on – it was one of the first signs that something ‘really odd’ was happening to his body.

Not long after, Webb, at just 39-years-old, would be diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a life-threatening illness the former Brisbane and North Queensland enforcer calls a ‘systematic killer’.

“Just struggling to button up my shirt, holding a dinner plate and a cup to go back to the table for a meal. Initially I just thought it could be a back injury or something spinal, I’ll go check that out. Then I couldn’t even do 10 push ups … strength had always been a big part of my game and I thought ‘that’s really odd’,” Webb said on Fox League’s Face-to-Face.

“That simple exercise was really tough, and I thought there is something really wrong here. I better go get it checked out. The specialist said this could be MND. At the start I thought ‘what the hell is MND?’.”

Motor neurone disease is a rare condition that progressively damages the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, often with visible wasting.

Carl Webb opens up on his battle with MND.

Webb was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2020, and has been bravely battling the condition since.

“It wasn’t until I walked out of the specialist office and googled it, and it was a baseball bat to the head,” Webb said.

“Everything was a blur for a couple of days … I was still hoping it’s not MND, and something more simple. Deep down I knew there was something wrong and after a few more tests it was confirmed.

“It attacked me first through my hands and the top half of my body. Now it’s moving through to my legs, you can hear it affecting my speech now as well.

“It is a systematic killer, which is why I’m grateful I can get ahead of it and at least keep my mental strength.”

Carl Webb during his playing days with the Broncos.

Early research has shown a possible link between motor neurone disease and professional contact sports in those with a genetic risk.

But Webb, who built a reputation as an uncompromising enforcer has no regrets about the way he played the game he loved during his 12-year career.

“I wouldn’t change a thing. I really wouldn’t. I’ve got a lot of regrets in life and I will live with those and I’m quite happy to but if I didn’t have my journey I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m happy. I’m cool with it, it was a really good ride,” Webb said.

“Life after football was great, I’ve had my wonderful children. If I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t have this … it’s a bitter pill to swallow but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

The rugby league world has rallied in support of the 187-game veteran, including Broncos coach Kevin Walters, who is leading Brisbane’s premiership charge after the side dismantled Melbourne in week one of the finals.

“The rugby league world, the FOGS, Kevvie at the Broncos, the Cowboys, everyone wanted to help. Even though my world was spinning it was great to know you have people in your corner. I had overwhelming support that helped me through that period.”

Catch the full interview on Face-to-Face tonight at 7:30 pm on Fox League.