Men of League backing Webb in motor neurone disease battle

Former Maroons forward Carl Webb will continue to receive the full support of the Men of League Foundation after being diagnosed with early onset motor neurone disease.

The Men of League have been working closely with the 38-year-old since the diagnosis and, now that the general public is aware of his situation, hope the game more generally will rally around him.

The disease progressively damages parts of the nervous system and leads to muscle weakness.

The average life expectancy of sufferers after the onset of symptoms is three years but some live much longer, with famous physicist Stephen Hawking living for more than 50 years with the illness.

Webb has been living in Dalby but is set to move to Brisbane to be closer to his family network.

The Men of League and Former Origin Greats [FOGS] will be assisting Webb in that regard.

FOGS chairman Gene Miles has also been speaking to Webb and the organisation will also be supporting him in his time of need, as it has assisted many players who have pulled on the Maroons jersey. 

Men Of League’s Queensland state manager Andrew Blucher said the organisation would "rally around Carl".

"Carl is a young guy of 38 and I have seen what the disease has done to people and that is concerning," Blucher told NRL.com.

"He was an outstanding footballer and for someone of that ilk and for his young family it is very sad news. We are here to do everything we can to support him because that is what we do.

"We look after those in need in the rugby league community whether that be men, women or children and try and do whatever we can to support them. This is very much in our wheelhouse."

Webb was one of the fiercest forwards of his generation in a 187-game NRL career with the Broncos, North Queensland and the Eels.

He played one Test for Australia and 12 Origin games for Queensland where he left an indelible mark on the Origin arena, most notably his blockbusting try in the opening game of the 2001 series when he left half of the NSW side in his wake.

His 2005 barney with NSW prop Luke Bailey, with a ‘Q’ etched into his head, remains an Origin highlight reel for the ages.

Men of League will continue to offer Webb their support, which has been ongoing.

"We are working through a variety of options about what we can do for Carl but there are some things that are immediate,” Blucher said.

"Of course we will rally around him and we have already started that process. That has taken the form of conversations and advice.

"That has been happening through our well-being lead here in Queensland and we have a well-being officer in Toowoomba who has spent a lot of time with Carl for the last three or four days in particular.

"I am sure that the rugby league community more broadly will come together and provide support where it can. I imagine all the clubs Carl played for and the QRL would be keen to play some kind of role."