NRL enforcer’s shocking admission that several current players are suffering from CTE but play on because they need the cash: ‘You have to make money in this world to survive’
Shocking admission from NRL enforcer that several current players suffer from CTE but continue because they need the money: ‘You have to make money in this world to survive’
- NRL star Nelson Asofa-Solomona fears for his post-footy future
- Melbourne Storm prop believes many current players have CTE
- He revealed that many continue to play due to life commitments
- CTE is a progressive brain disorder caused by repetitive head impacts
- like you support needed, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Melbourne Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona believes many current NRL stars suffer from symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the brain but continue to play the sport because they need the money.
Asofa-Solomona, 27, made his NRL debut in 2015 and the Kiwi international admits he is ‘afraid’ for his life after football.
It comes after rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis was recently diagnosed with probable CTE and the late Paul Green had serious symptoms believed to have contributed to his sudden death last August.
South Sydney legend Mario Fenech, Canterbury’s Steve Mortimer and Eels warrior Ray Price are other former footy stars battling early dementia as a result of their hard playing days.
And now Asofa-Solomona, who will make his boxing debut in October in Townsville, admits he fears the worst.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona believes many current NRL stars suffer from brain CTE symptoms but continue to play the sport because they need the money
Rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis was recently diagnosed with probable CTE
“I honestly think a number of us (NRL players) already have CTE, to be honest,” he said.
“The number of head hits in today’s game is huge… and you only see it on game day. “Then there are the things we do in training.
“It’s hard to comment on it because it (CTE and head trauma research) is something that’s very new in the world of sports right now.
“It’s pretty scary, that’s for sure.”
The Kiwi International also stated that taking care of his family is personally of the utmost importance.
“You have to make money in this world to survive,” he said.
“We have to pay mortgages, put food on the table, support children and families.
“You ask one of the guys, if they win the Lotto tomorrow, would they continue to play football? I think a lot of them would probably say no.’
Paul Green (pictured left, with the late cricketer Andrew Symonds) had a brilliant career in rugby league but struggled privately with mental health issues
The family of NRL legend Paul Green took some comfort after being told he was suffering from an advanced form of CTE at the time of his death last year
Green was just 49 when he died, and the news rocked the NRL last August
Lewis revealed in July that doctors are 90 percent sure he developed CTE, which can’t be fully confirmed until someone dies.
His partner Linda Adams knew something was wrong after the Queensland Origin legend repeated the same stories over and over.
Lewis’ grim diagnosis was all but confirmed by his doctor Rowena Mobb, after she performed a simple memory test.
After fellow Queenslander Green died, it was revealed that he had privately struggled with mental health issues stemming from his playing days for nearly two decades.
He was only 49.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.