>
Mario Fenech’s wife has revealed that the Souths legend’s struggle with dementia is so serious that he repeatedly forgot the day of his own son’s wedding – and couldn’t remember giving a speech at the ceremony.
The progressively debilitating brain condition of the rugby league hardman, caused by repeated headbutts, has had a devastating effect on his life.
Mario’s wife Rebecca tells how his daily struggle with memory and understanding has left the 60-year-old a shadow of the man he once was.
Mario Fenech (pictured with his wife Rebecca and children) is candid about his battle with dementia. Ms Fenech says her husband’s dementia is so severe he can’t remember speaking at his son’s wedding
Fenech had a long career in the NRL in the 1980s and 1990s – playing nine seasons for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, playing 82 games for the North Sydney Bears (pictured above) and 11 games for the South Qld Crushers
“He doesn’t remember the moment because the next moment is the new moment,” she explained.
“For example, when my son got married in April, I couldn’t even tell him until… [the day of the ceremony].
“He knew, but on the morning of it I said, ‘Today is the wedding’, and even during the day I said, ‘We’re going to the wedding today… The wedding today’.
“And I wanted to make it a special day because it was probably the last time we might all be able to celebrate.”
Fenech gave a speech at the wedding and had a very special evening with his family, but couldn’t remember anything the next morning.
Rebecca Fenech has revealed that her husband was resentful for being mocked on The Footy Show
“The really sad part of this story,” his son Joe explained, “is that when my parents woke up in the morning, the day after the wedding, my dad turned to my mom and said, ‘Oh, I’m real excited for the wedding, when is it?”‘
Another heartbreaking revelation from Fenech’s wife was that the former Footy Show star was resentful after being ruthlessly mocked on the long-running show, comparing himself to a “circus animal” and “novelty.”
She claimed that the stars of the show were ridiculing Fenech despite being fully aware of his harrowing health struggles.
“They pulled him out when he’s actually a very intelligent man, but that’s how it rolled,” Ms Fenech said of the Channel Nine show.
“They know, they clearly saw his decline on The Footy Show as well. It’s just not talked about, it’s quiet.’
She said only three former Footy Show stars – Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin, Peter Sterling and Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach – are still in contact with Mario.
Fenech (pictured with South’s co-owner Russell Crowe) played 274 first-class games, but unfortunately can barely remember anything from his incredible career due to his deadly condition
“He speaks very occasionally to Fatty or Sterlo, sometimes to Blocker, it’s three people he talks to maybe once or twice a year,” Ms Fenech told Channel Seven.
“But no, we’re not hearing from anyone.”
Fenech played 274 games in first grade, but unfortunately can hardly remember anything about his career because of the irreversible condition.
Doctors say the man nicknamed ‘Muzza’, despite being 60, has the brain of an ’80-year-old patient’.
Fenech’s wife says the condition means his life is a constant struggle.
“Every day now he wakes up and says, ‘I’m confused. I don’t know why. I don’t feel great,'” she said. “He can’t really act or think for himself.”
Ms Fenech said she wanted to share Mario’s devastating story to highlight one of the biggest problems facing Australian sport: the long-term effects of concussion.