King Wally Lewis' devastating diagnosis
<p>Rugby league legend Wally Lewis, known as "The King" for his tough football persona, has made a heartbreaking revelation about his health.</p>
<p>In an exclusive interview with <em>60 Minutes</em>, the 63-year-old Queenslander disclosed that he has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.</p>
<p>Despite his physical fitness, Lewis is experiencing the distressing effects of this progressive and fatal condition, which can be caused by repeated blows to the head. CTE leads to memory loss, behavioural issues, and a decline in basic cognitive skills. Fans who still follow Lewis' work as a beloved media personality and sports commentator were shocked by this news.</p>
<p>“For a lot of the sport guys, I think a lot of us take on this belief that we’ve got to prove how tough we are. How rugged," Lewis said on the program. "And if we put our hands up and seek sympathy, then we're going to be seen as the real cowards of the game. But we’ve got to take it on and admit that the problems are there.”</p>
<p>Throughout his illustrious rugby league career spanning three decades, Lewis captained Australia and inspired Queensland, winning a record eight man of the match awards in his State of Origin career. He later transitioned to a successful career in sports commentary. However, in 2006, Lewis suffered an epileptic seizure during a live broadcast, leading to brain surgery in 2007 to control the seizures.</p>
<p>The evidence of Lewis' brain deterioration is evident in his scans compared to those of a healthy brain. Leading neurologist Dr. Rowena Mobbs, who has observed an increasing number of former players suffering from CTE, believes Lewis' symptoms align with the condition.</p>
<p>"It's devastating," Mobbs said on the program. "It's hard to see these players go through it. The last thing I want to do is diagnose them with dementia."</p>
<p>While definitive diagnosis can only occur through a brain autopsy after death, Mobbs is 90% certain about Lewis' condition based on her expertise.</p>
<p>Although some former players are contemplating legal action and compensation claims against the NRL and AFL, Lewis has decided against such measures. He remains grateful for the game he loved and the opportunity to have played it.</p>
<p>“I loved the game that I played," he said. "I felt privileged to have played it, and to have been given that chance. When you go out there and you’re wearing the representative jerseys, particularly the one for Australia, you feel ten feet tall and bulletproof. Well, you might think you are. But you’re not.”</p>
<p>Lewis plans to leave a legacy beyond the football field by donating his brain for research to create awareness of CTE. He emphasises that his intention is not to seek sympathy but rather support for those affected by the disease.</p>
<p>In response to Lewis' revelation, Dementia Australia offers support, information, education, and counselling for those dealing with similar challenges.</p>
<p>The NRL has taken steps to address head injuries and concussions, implementing comprehensive head-injury policies and procedures in alignment with world's best practices. The league actively invests in the Retired Professional Rugby League Players Brain Health Study to assess and monitor the health of retired players.</p>
<p>Wally Lewis' bravery in sharing his story aims to shed light on the impact of CTE on athletes and underscores the importance of advancing research and support for those facing similar health struggles.</p>
<p><em>Images: 60 Minutes.</em></p>
