Wally Lewis reveals he’s not suffering alone after CTE diagnosis

As the rugby league world recoiled in shock at Wally Lewis’ diagnosis, the man himself revealed he’s not suffering alone after being contacted by several players from his generation.

Several players of his generation have told Wally Lewis they are also battling dementia symptoms as the league legend urged current players to embrace the war against concussion.

Lewis believes the presence of independent doctors ruling on concussion issues is a step forward for the game.

The Queensland great revealed on Channel 9’s 60 Minutes on Sunday he is facing a dementia diagnosis (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) which is the result of years of head knocks.

As the football world recoiled in shock at the news, the man himself revealed he is not suffering alone and has been contacted by players from his generation who told him they had shown similar symptoms.

“I have had considerable reaction since Sunday night,’’ Lewis told this masthead on Monday.

“There are a couple of other blokes who I have spoken to in recent times who are battling similar things to me.

“When you get told you ask the same question three times in 10 minutes you know something is not right.

Wally Lewis has backed the inclusion of the independent doctor. Picture: NRL Imagery

“A lot of people were good enough to make the call to me and that is good. We were all playing the game we loved. I still feel very fortunate to have played the game.’’

Lewis is unsure of the origins of his head knocks but remembers one poignant observation from his father Jim, an experienced rugby league coach.

“My father used to tell me I put my head in the wrong place when I tackled. I would come off and say “are you happy with that game dad … I scored three tries and we’ve just won the Origin?

“He would say “yeah but you missed five tackles and put your head in the wrong place and tried to tackle with the left shoulder when it should have been your right and you got knocked out.

“He might have been right but you cannot predict when it is going to happen. It is a part of the game that can occur. I didn’t hold any grudges against the game. It was a game I loved playing. I will always regard it as a real thrill of my life.

Wally Lewis at this year’s State of Origin. Picture: NRL

“It is one of the hurdles of contact sport. It’s not just football. What about the other codes?’’

“I don’t know what the rules and regulations are but I do think the NRL are making the right call to get doctors to make the call who are not involved with either club. They are not making a decision with their club colours on they are doing so because it’s their profession.

“It is not easy for them to make decisions but their decisions could effect a player’s future and we should be grateful they are there.

“I watched that movie Concussion. Whenever there is a different type of law suit starting it will start in America as it did over there with concussion. We have to try and ensure the players are looked after in the best possible way for their long term health.

“Careful decisions to be made. I don’t think there is a single player who regrets their time in the game.

“Accidents happen. You can hit your head on the ground or it can happen playing Red Rover.

“I just felt privileged to play football.’’

Lewis accepted his life has changed but is positive about the road ahead.

“The learning curve has started. I am being optimistic. Channel 9 have been very good to me.’’

“I have known about it for quite a while now. The memory loss became quite obvious.’’