Vale Carl Webb

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One of the toughest to ever don a North Queensland Toyota Cowboys jersey, Carl Webb has passed away, aged 42.

Cowboy No.168, Webb announced in 2020 he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. He fought an inspirational and public battle against the disease, setting up the Carl Webb Foundation to raise awareness and funds to aid in the battle against MND, which has no known cure.

On the field, Webb was one of the most feared forwards of his generation. His 115-game stint at the Cowboys between 2005-2010 left a lasting legacy at the club. Eight of his 12 appearances for Queensland came during his Cowboys tenure, as did his lone Test for the Kangaroos in 2008.

Current Cowboys players are reminded of Webb's rare athletic gifts every day, with his name emblazoned in the gym as the club's all-time bench press record holder, lifting 185kg in 2007.

In total, Webb made 187 appearances at NRL level, including his 115 games for the Cowboys, 66 for the Broncos and six for the Eels.

On top of his Queensland and Kangaroos appearances, he played two games for the Indigenous All Stars and one for the Prime Minister's XIII.

"Carl played a pivotal role in the transformational change at our club in the mid 2000's," Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said.

"He was a footballer's footballer, uncompromising and one of the toughest to wear our jersey.

"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.

"Even in recent times, when fighting this horrible disease, he found a way to put a smile on his face and those around him.

"We extend our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Carl's family and friends."

The Cowboys and Broncos will dedicate both clashes between the two teams in 2024 to Webb, starting with the Good Friday clash in Brisbane, which will be followed by the home fixture at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Round 23.

The clubs will work together to honour Webb's memory, with more details to be released in the new year.