Wally Lewis opens up on CTE battle and the toll it’s taking on his wife

NRL legend Wally Lewis, who got married just last month, has detailed the toll his brain disease is taking on himself and his new wife.

Rugby league legend Wally Lewis has given an update on his battle with CTE and the toll it’s taking on his wife.

The 65-year-old first spoke publicly about his battle with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive concussions, in 2023.

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Since then, the Queensland and Kangaroos great has campaigned for more awareness and funding for the condition.

Speaking on LiSTNR’s The Howie Games podcast, Lewis discussed his memory loss and difficulty initially seeking help.

“I’m just having some real issues with my memory,” he began.

“The first issues were probably six or seven years ago, but it took me over two years (to speak to a doctor).

Wally Lewis (right) is one of the greatest league players ever. Colin Whelan Action Photographics

“I didn’t want to be seen as the guy who wasn’t quite the full quid.

“I spoke to some doctors in Brisbane and went to Sydney and it was a bit embarrassing.

“The doctor basically said ‘what are the issues you’re dealing with’ and I said ‘mate, I can’t remember things. I really can’t remember things’.

“I had a short sleeve shirt on and I had goosebumps … he said ‘don’t be embarrassed’.

“I could feel my face go red the first time (I asked for help) and I thought ‘you idiot, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help’.”

Just last month, Lewis married his partner of four years Lynda Adams at a private ceremony in Brisbane.

Lewis marrying Lynda Adams in Brisbane last month. Photo: WP Media

He knows there is currently no cure for CTE, which was a difficult reality to face, but says Adams is incredibly patient with him.

“There is no cure. When (my doctor) delivered that sentence to me, it was a slap in the face,” he said.

“But by the same token, I was being a realist in not expecting marvellous things to happen.

“My partner, Lynda, has been fantastic through it.

“She’s been very patient, but the amount of times where I’ve seen this expression on her face … and I know that I’ve obviously said something (before) or said it wrong.

“And I say to her ‘have I already said that’ and she’ll say ‘oh, two, three, four times’.

“I’m past the embarrassment of being repetitive.”

Lewis is widely regarded as being among the greatest players in rugby league history.

Commencing his career in the late 1970s, the playmaker was part of the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980 and was in the national side the following year.

He played 38 matches for his beloved Maroons and a further 34 with the Kangaroos, regularly walking from the pitch with the man of the match award.

After retiring in 1992, Lewis went into coaching and eventually television.

Named one of the game’s Immortals in 1999, Lewis said a number of players have reached out to him since his condition became public.

Lewis is a passionate Queenslander. Photo: NRL Imagery

“A lot of the footy guys have come (to me with symptoms),” he said.

“We all could be a little bit different, but I say ‘have you spoken to a doctor yet’ and they say ‘no’.

“And I’ll say, you’re seeking answers from me and I can’t give you the answers.

“But the best assistance is only going to come from the medical staff. It’s been good since (getting help).”

Lewis’ separation from his wife of 36 years Jackie in early 2021 shocked family, friends and colleagues alike.

NRL legend Wally Lewis with his statue at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Tara Croser.

For almost four decades, the Lewis marriage had been considered the gold standard of sports star unions.

But he has found happiness with Adams and was asked whether he fears for his future.

“I do,” he said. “I am very hopeful and very determined that I am going to enjoy the rest of my life.

“But I don’t want to be in a nursing home in the years to come.”

Originally published as Wally Lewis opens up on CTE battle and the toll it’s taking on his wife