- Webb was an enforcer for the Maroons
- Died of MND at the age of 32
- Had one last crack at the Blues
The NRL world has been left shocked and in mourning after Carl Webb died from MND this week, but a former Maroons star has revealed the Origin enforcer had one last sled against the Blues before his passing.
Wally Lewis provided poignant insights into the unwavering Queensland spirit that defined the late NRL enforcer who passed away on Thursday aged 42 after a courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Father-of-four Webb announced his early diagnosis of ALS in 2020, sending shockwaves through the rugby league world.
In the three years since, he has courageously faced the challenges of the disease, which increasingly affects the nerve cells that control muscles, severely limiting mobility and speech.
Carl Webb was a proud Queenslander who represented his state fifteen times in his home state
Webb infamously shaved a Q in the head and strangled Blues forward Luke Bailey in 2005
Queensalnd legend Wally Lewis revealed the last sled Webb had for the Blues
After playing 187 NRL matches across three clubs and appearing in 15 State of Origin matches, Webb became a cult hero in Queensland for his impactful cameos during the state's era of Origin dominance.
Rugby league immortal Wally Lewis said Webb's latest cheeky comment was aimed at his State of Origin rivals.
The rugby league immortal told Channel 9: 'It's an extremely sad day for the Webb family and also for rugby league.
'I had the opportunity to visit Carl a few times. The thing was, exactly what we expected from him, he said, 'I'm not going to give in, I'm just going to fight for it all the time.'
“And he said, 'If I die too soon, I'll see even fewer games where Queensland beat New South Wales.'
Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters, former teammate Ben Ikin and ARLC chairman Peter V'landys also paid heartfelt tributes to Webb.
Walters commented on the respect and admiration Webb commanded, while Ikin marveled at the grace with which Webb handled the debilitating effects of ALS.
Tributes poured in for the beloved NRL enforcer who died far too soon
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys spoke of Webb's courage during his battle with MND
V'landys sent his condolences to Webb's family and acknowledged his fearsome presence on the field and unparalleled toughness.
“Anyone who witnessed Carl's struggle will be touched by his courage,” the ARLC chairman said.
'He was a formidable player and competitor and one of the toughest attackers of his time. He had a physical presence and aggression that was unparalleled.
“He already showed his toughness after his diagnosis with motor neurone disease.”
Webb's remarkable 11-year playing career included stints with the Brisbane Broncos, Parramatta Eels and North Queensland Cowboys.
He briefly ventured into boxing, sharing a fight night card with Anthony Mundine in 2010. Despite the adversity he faced, Webb's lasting legacy lives on through the Carl Webb Foundation, created to help those suffering from ALS.