Lewis' impassioned plea for $18 million CTE funding
Wally Lewis has delivered an impassioned plea in the nation’s capital, calling for $18 million of government funding into CTE research and awareness.
The rugby league icon fronted the National Press Club on Tuesday to explain his battle with probable CTE, as well as early onset dementia, caused by his time in the sport.
Lewis is widely-regarded as one of Queensland’s greatest players – nicknamed “The King” for his exploits in the brutal State of Origin arena – but revealed the confidence he once possessed on the field has been taken away.
“I once had the confidence in myself to succeed – lead my team to victory, captain my country, remember the strengths and weaknesses of my opposition, organise myself and feel in control of my life,” the 68-year-old said.
“Now, much of that confidence has been taken away from me by the effects of probable CTE dementia. My everyday life is no longer blessed by confidence.
“Now I struggle to accept that it has been filled with fear and embarrassment about how forgetful I’ve become.”
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The legend fronted media on the same day Sharks veteran Dale Finucane announced his retirement from the NRL due to repeated concussions, while multiple AFL players have hung up the boots due to similar head injuries in 2024.
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