Rugby league: Former Queensland prop Carl Webb dies aged 42 after battle with motor neurone disease

Carl Webb for North Queensland Cowboys (2009).
Carl Webb for North Queensland Cowboys (2009). Photo credit: Getty Images

Former Queensland prop Carl Webb has died at the age of 42, after a battle with motor neurone disease.

Webb, who was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease four years ago, is understood to have died from a fall at his home at Dalby, Queensland.

"Anyone who has come across Carl's battle will have been touched by his bravery," said Australian Rugby League Commission 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.

"On behalf of the commission, I extend my condolences to Carl's family, friends, and all those who played with and knew him."

The hard-hitting forward made 187 NRL appearances, with stints at Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta Eels, before retiring in 2011.

Webb was part of the Cowboys side that reached the 2005 Grand Final, but was unavailable through suspension. 

At representative level, Webb played 15 times for Queensland, as a formative part of the side that dominated State of Origin. His final appearance came in 2008, the third of eight successive series wins by the Maroons.

Webb was also capped once by Australia and made two appearances for the Indigenous All Stars.