The Broncos and Cowboys have confirmed that both clashes between the two great rivals in 2024 will be dedicated to Carl Webb, who passed away on Thursday after a four-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Webb played 66 games for the Broncos and 115 for the Cowboys in a decorated career that also included 12 Origins for Queensland and one Test for Australia against New Zealand in 2008.
He was diagnosed with MND in 2020 when he was 39 and set up the Carl Webb Foundation to help others suffering from the disease.
“Anyone who has come across Carl’s battle will have been touched by his bravery,” said ARLC chairman Peter V’landys.
“He was a fearsome player and competitor and one of the toughest forwards to play in his era. He had a physical presence and aggression which was unmatched.
“He showed every bit of that toughness following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease.
The enforcer: Carl Webb was built for Origin
“Carl was a key part of some exceptional teams at Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys and as a result was able to represent Queensland on 12 occasions, while also being selected for Australia in the Centenary Test in 2008.
“Carl also represented the Indigenous All Stars – forever being part of history by playing in the first match in 2010.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend my condolences to Carl’s family, friends, and all those who played with and knew him.”
Born in Mt Isa, Webb made his debut for the Brisbane Broncos as an 18-year-old in 2000, alongside club legends Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva and Gorden Tallis.
After six seasons and 66 games as a Bronco he returned home to North Queensland and played six seasons with the Cowboys before finishing his NRL career with the Eels in 2011.
Webb made his Origin debut for the Maroons off the bench in 2001, playing a leading role in a 2-1 series victory.
He also played the full series in 2006 when the Maroons recovered from 1-0 down to win the series and launch their remarkable eight-year dynasty.
“Everyone who watched Carl’s journey over the past few years was inspired by his bravery,” said QRL CEO Ben Ikin.
“I found it truly remarkable that a guy who made a living out of being so powerful and explosive could handle with such grace the debilitating effects of MND.
“The things he did for Queensland, some of them well outside the bounds of polite society, will be on State of Origin highlights reels forever.
“Rugby league lost a true warrior this week and our condolences go out to Carl’s family at this very difficult time.”
In confirming that his club would honour Webb when they host the Broncos in Townsville in Round 23, Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said the powerhouse forward had "played a pivotal role in the transformational change at our club in the mid 2000s".
“He was a footballer’s footballer, uncompromising and one of the toughest to wear our jersey," Reibel said.
“His unrelenting intensity in which he played the game was matched off the field by the respect and love for not just his teammates, but for everyone who came in contact with him.
“We extend our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Carl’s family and friends.”
Match Highlights: Maroons v Blues
The Broncos confirmed that the Carl Webb Foundation and the MND & Me Foundation will be the official joint Charity Partners for the Round 4 clash with North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
“Carl leaves a legacy that extends far beyond the football field, and he’ll continue to inspire Broncos and Queenslanders alike for years to come – we’ve lost a true gentleman and warrior today," said Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy.
“When the time is right, we will speak to Carl’s loved ones about how the club and the game can best celebrate Carl’s enormous life.”
Webb still holds the Broncos record for bench press (180kg) and back squat (252.5kg), set almost two decades ago, records etched to this day on a visual board in the Broncos gym, inspiring the current NRL squad.