NRL news: Brett Horsnell sells prized rugby league possessions to pay concussion medical bills

Former NRL player Brett Horsnell’s struggles with the side effects of concussion have taken their toll on his life and now he has had to make another heartbreaking call just to pay the bills.

Former NRL rugby league player Brett Horsnell has been cut down by repeated concussions during playing career, which are affecting his life after his career has ended. Pics Adam Head

Former Parramatta, Gold Coast and South Queensland hardman Brett Horsnell is being forced to part with his most treasured items from his decorated playing career as he is on the brink of financial ruin while he battles chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

The diagnosis comes with Horsnell claiming he suffered about 50 concussions during his decade-long career. Horsnell said he has been “really cooked for three years now”.

He indicated the medical treatment has left him hundreds of thousands out of pocket, which has resulted in Horsnell’s decision to part with his memorabilia.

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He has already sold various playing jerseys and will part with more items just to pay his bills.

“I’m just about done,” Horsnell said. “I’ve spent everything. I’m living in a crappy unit. I’m just struggling. I can’t work … I just struggle to pay rent. I don’t have public housing.

“I am paying normal rent. I pay normal bills like everyone else but I’m on a disability, which is not a lot of money. I’ve spent so much money on medical bills and health care.

Former NRL player Brett Horsnell is battling chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Picture: Adam Head

“I’ve sold four jerseys from every club I’ve played with. I’ve donated some to charity.”

Horsnell parted with a rare Wally Lewis celebratory challenge jersey which stung. But now he is reluctantly prepared to let go of his prized possession – the Australian schoolboys jersey he wore while captaining his country.

“It’s not something I want to let go of,” said Horsnell, who sells his items via his Facebook page. “But that’s what it has come down to. It’s now about what money I can raise.

“The Lewis challenge jersey was never sold in shops. There were only 17 made.”

Brett Horsnell is selling this Australian schoolboys jersey just to pay for his medical costs.

He is hoping to meet the Men of League next week.

Horsnell considered taking legal action against the Eels but opted against pursuing that.

Now he is just hoping to have some quality of life.

“I get vertigo, dizziness and not normal headaches,” Horsnell said. “They come and they go. Basically, like lightening, they hit you and they go away. Like someone shooting you with a bullet. They are really bad. It’s not a good thing.

Brett Horsnell played 34 games for the Eels before leaving the club at the end of the 1998 season.

“I was starting to feel effects near the end of my career. I knew something was wrong but I didn’t know what it was. I couldn’t put it together. It’s cost me a lot in life.

“I know there are a few players who have retired because of concussions recently and they are young fellas. They don’t know what they are in for when they get older.

“The side-effects I’ve got. They are going to be in big trouble. It’s a terrible, terrible thing.”

To donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Lets-Help-a-Mate---Brett-Horsnell