Loved ones of homegrown Dalby NRL hero and beloved family man, Carl Webb, share tributes

Heartbroken family and friends of NRL legend Carl Webb are remembering the iconic football star not just for what he did on the field, but for the legacy he leaves behind as a loving family man. See the touching tributes from his loved ones.

Homegrown hero Carl Webb remembered by loved ones after passing.

Football fans from around the country are in mourning today following the passing of NRL legend Carl Webb, with his family and friends sharing heartbreaking tributes to remember the beloved father, son, uncle and friend.

It was revealed that the ex-Broncos and Cowboys forward sadly passed away Thursday, December 21 after his long, courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease. 

The former State of Origin star’s niece Shyan Webb said she discovered the tragic news Thursday night from her aunty.

“It’s hard but we’re all trying to stay strong,” she said.

The Dalby woman shared what she loved most about her uncle and the legacy he leaves behind not just from his countless sporting accolades, but the memories he will leave behind as a beloved family man.

“He was one of a kind and he had the biggest heart,” she said.

Friends and family of the Dalby Devils rallied together to raise funds for the Carl Webb Foundation, August 2022. Picture: Emily Devon

“He adored his beautiful kids, he absolutely adored my daughter, his great niece Lillyana. I will remember him not just as Carl Webb the legendary football player but as Carl Webb my uncle.”

The shattered niece said Carl’s death has left a big hole in the region and admired the legacy that he has left behind.

“I know he would be proud of it,” she said

Western Downs councillor and long-time family friend of the former rugby league player Megan James reflected on the many community events Webb attended.

“At the Carl Webb dinner and golf day in Dalby just last month, you could feel the love surrounding him and the love he had for his mates,” she said.

“That weekend he threw his head back and laughed with pure delight of stories being told, but what he said he was most grateful for was the chance to bring his friends - from footy greats to Dalby locals - together.

Friends and family of the Dalby Devils rallied together to raise funds for the Carl Webb Foundation, August 2022. Picture: Emily Devon

“His example reminded us of the true value of mateship and how community can be family.”

The councillor said he often showed great concern for those around him, especially during tough times.

“He took the focus away from himself and shared his concern about others and in particular how worried he was for the people of Tara who were being affected by bushfire,” Ms James said.

Other Dalby residents have taken to social media to share their heartbreak for the star’s passing.

“RIP Carl you were a true legend how you can join your brother Michael up above my condolences to your family and also to your mum Shirley, dad Carl Snr brother Darren, and sister Lavinia.” – Leisa Marie Koch

“RIP Webby. Condolences to all his family.” – Fay Lyons

‘RIP Carl you legend mate.” – Nathan Appleton

Friends and family of the Dalby Devils rallied together to raise funds for the Carl Webb Foundation, August 2022. Picture: Emily Devon

The football legend was often seen at events around Dalby which included attending the Dalby Devils fundraiser round last year, when the junior footy club decided to raise funds for the Carl Webb Foundation.

“I love coming back here, it’s a hometown for me and I get to see friends and family,” Webb said at the time.

“I just love the support they’ve shown from organising all this – the raffles, baked sale – they’ve done so much.”

The 2024 Dalby Devils under-17s captain Hayden Taylor said the decision to rain money for the Carl Webb Foundation was a “no-brainer”.

“Carl’s inspired all of us with the way he’s approach his disease,” Taylor said.

“He’s a good country man and he never forgets about Dalby.”

Mrs James second that notion and highlighted Webby’s ties to the region.

“Carl was a kid from Dalby who became a rugby league great, an Aussie icon, a beast on the footy field and a true warrior in the way he faced his diagnosis and used it to help others,” she said.

“To so many, he was a friend, a mate and a hero.”

Originally published as Loved ones of homegrown Dalby NRL hero and beloved family man, Carl Webb, share tributes