Wally Lewis opens up on CTE battle and the toll it's taking on his wife
Rugby league legend Wally Lewis has given an update on his battle with CTE and the toll it's taking on his wife.
The 65-year-old first spoke publicly about his battle with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive concussions, in 2023.
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Since then, the Queensland and Kangaroos great has campaigned for more awareness and funding for the condition.
Speaking on LiSTNR's The Howie Games podcast, Lewis discussed his memory loss and difficulty initially seeking help.
'I'm just having some real issues with my memory,' he began.
'The first issues were probably six or seven years ago, but it took me over two years (to speak to a doctor).
'I didn't want to be seen as the guy who wasn't quite the full quid.
'I spoke to some doctors in Brisbane and went to Sydney and it was a bit embarrassing.
'The doctor basically said 'what are the issues you're dealing with' and I said 'mate, I can't remember things. I really can't remember things'.
'I had a short sleeve shirt on and I had goosebumps … he said 'don't be embarrassed'.
'I could feel my face go red the first time (I asked for help) and I thought 'you idiot, don't be embarrassed to ask for help'.'
Just last month, Lewis married his partner of four years Lynda Adams at a private ceremony in Brisbane.
He knows there is currently no cure for CTE, which was a difficult reality to face, but says Adams is incredibly patient with him.
'There is no cure. When (my doctor) delivered that sentence to me, it was a slap in the face,' he said.
'But by the same token, I was being a realist in not expecting marvellous things to happen.
'My partner, Lynda, has been fantastic through it.
'She's been very patient, but the amount of times where I've seen this expression on her face … and I know that I've obviously said something (before) or said it wrong.
'And I say to her 'have I already said that' and she'll say 'oh, two, three, four times'.
'I'm past the embarrassment of being repetitive.'
Lewis is widely regarded as being among the greatest players in rugby league history.
Commencing his career in the late 1970s, the playmaker was part of the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980 and was in the national side the following year.
He played 38 matches for his beloved Maroons and a further 34 with the Kangaroos, regularly walking from the pitch with the man of the match award.
After retiring in 1992, Lewis went into coaching and eventually television.
Named one of the game's Immortals in 1999, Lewis said a number of players have reached out to him since his condition became public.
'A lot of the footy guys have come (to me with symptoms),' he said.
'We all could be a little bit different, but I say 'have you spoken to a doctor yet' and they say 'no'.
'And I'll say, you're seeking answers from me and I can't give you the answers.
'But the best assistance is only going to come from the medical staff. It's been good since (getting help).'
Lewis' separation from his wife of 36 years Jackie in early 2021 shocked family, friends and colleagues alike.
For almost four decades, the Lewis marriage had been considered the gold standard of sports star unions.
But he has found happiness with Adams and was asked whether he fears for his future.
'I do,' he said. 'I am very hopeful and very determined that I am going to enjoy the rest of my life.
'But I don't want to be in a nursing home in the years to come.'
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The Advertiser
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- The Advertiser
South Africa unite nation with historic cricket triumph
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hopes the Proteas' drought-busting World Test Championship title can help unite a nation and inspire a future for red-ball cricket in the country. Labelled as 'chokers' following years of blowing sudden-death ICC matches, the Proteas upstaged the defending champs Australia by winning a gripping WTC final at Lord's by five wickets to lift their first senior world trophy in the men's game. Saturday's victory was only South Africa's second ICC title in all, coming 27 years after they won the Champions Trophy back in 1998. Opener Aiden Markram wrote himself into South African cricket folklore with a classic 136, helped by a gritty captain's knock from hobbling hero Bavuma (66). South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs just before lunch on day four to complete the chase of 282, sparking emotional celebrations at the home of cricket. Going to stumps on Friday night in pole position at 2-213, this largely unheralded South Africa team ticked off the 69 runs required the next morning to create history that legends such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and AB de Villiers never could. Bavuma, the first Black South African Test captain, has looked up to the all-conquering Springboks' rugby team as an example for what sport can achieve in the divided country. "The biggest thing I admire about the Springboks is how they've kind of gone about it and embraced what being South African actually means," Bavuma said. "South Africa, we are unique in a lot of ways; our present and future is shaped by our past. "For the country this is a chance for us to rejoice in something, forget about our issues and really come together. "For this group of players, there were a lot of doubters as to the route that we took to to get to this point. "I do think the the way that we played would have wiped all of that out." The turnaround for the Proteas has been remarkable. This defining moment comes less than 18 months after they sent a heavily depleted squad to New Zealand so their stars could stay home and play in the country's T20 league instead. South Africa were predictably thrashed 2-0 by the Black Caps, but then went on to complete eight wins in a row to claim an unexpected Test title. Despite their historic triumph, the Proteas aren't scheduled to play any Tests at home this upcoming summer It was Australia's first loss in a world final since England beat them to claim the 2010 T20 title. Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015, 2023), a T20 trophy (2021), and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Their record in global finals goes to 8-4, dating back to the first ODI World Cup back in 1975. Australia have been the cause of much of South Africa's pain, beating them in ODI World Cup semi-finals in 1999, 2007 and 2023. "You work so hard to get to the final and to miss that opportunity, it's disappointing," Australia captain Pat Cummins said "Everyone was pretty pumped to be here, to make the final, and when you miss a huge opportunity by a little bit that leaves you a little bit empty." South Africa's run chase was the second-highest successful pursuit in the fourth-innings in a Lord's Test, equal with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In a final that exceeded the hype, South Africa boldly took it up to the Australians from the moment Bavuma decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) carried Australia on the first day, rolled for 212 after Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada fired with 5-51 in his first Test since receiving a one-man ban for testing positive to cocaine. But Australia's pace artillery struck back in typical fashion, running through the Proteas for only 138 thanks to Pat Cummins' 6-28. During one of his greatest spells, the star quick became the eighth Australian take 300 Test wickets, joining teammates Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc. But the first-innings lead of 74 quickly seemed like nowhere near enough when Australia suffered a collapse of 5-29 in just 45 minutes late on day two. Starc (58no) and Alex Carey (43) steered them out of dire trouble, but batting became significantly easier at the start of day three to give South Africa the confidence they could complete the chase. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hopes the Proteas' drought-busting World Test Championship title can help unite a nation and inspire a future for red-ball cricket in the country. Labelled as 'chokers' following years of blowing sudden-death ICC matches, the Proteas upstaged the defending champs Australia by winning a gripping WTC final at Lord's by five wickets to lift their first senior world trophy in the men's game. Saturday's victory was only South Africa's second ICC title in all, coming 27 years after they won the Champions Trophy back in 1998. Opener Aiden Markram wrote himself into South African cricket folklore with a classic 136, helped by a gritty captain's knock from hobbling hero Bavuma (66). South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs just before lunch on day four to complete the chase of 282, sparking emotional celebrations at the home of cricket. Going to stumps on Friday night in pole position at 2-213, this largely unheralded South Africa team ticked off the 69 runs required the next morning to create history that legends such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and AB de Villiers never could. Bavuma, the first Black South African Test captain, has looked up to the all-conquering Springboks' rugby team as an example for what sport can achieve in the divided country. "The biggest thing I admire about the Springboks is how they've kind of gone about it and embraced what being South African actually means," Bavuma said. "South Africa, we are unique in a lot of ways; our present and future is shaped by our past. "For the country this is a chance for us to rejoice in something, forget about our issues and really come together. "For this group of players, there were a lot of doubters as to the route that we took to to get to this point. "I do think the the way that we played would have wiped all of that out." The turnaround for the Proteas has been remarkable. This defining moment comes less than 18 months after they sent a heavily depleted squad to New Zealand so their stars could stay home and play in the country's T20 league instead. South Africa were predictably thrashed 2-0 by the Black Caps, but then went on to complete eight wins in a row to claim an unexpected Test title. Despite their historic triumph, the Proteas aren't scheduled to play any Tests at home this upcoming summer It was Australia's first loss in a world final since England beat them to claim the 2010 T20 title. Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015, 2023), a T20 trophy (2021), and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Their record in global finals goes to 8-4, dating back to the first ODI World Cup back in 1975. Australia have been the cause of much of South Africa's pain, beating them in ODI World Cup semi-finals in 1999, 2007 and 2023. "You work so hard to get to the final and to miss that opportunity, it's disappointing," Australia captain Pat Cummins said "Everyone was pretty pumped to be here, to make the final, and when you miss a huge opportunity by a little bit that leaves you a little bit empty." South Africa's run chase was the second-highest successful pursuit in the fourth-innings in a Lord's Test, equal with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In a final that exceeded the hype, South Africa boldly took it up to the Australians from the moment Bavuma decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) carried Australia on the first day, rolled for 212 after Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada fired with 5-51 in his first Test since receiving a one-man ban for testing positive to cocaine. But Australia's pace artillery struck back in typical fashion, running through the Proteas for only 138 thanks to Pat Cummins' 6-28. During one of his greatest spells, the star quick became the eighth Australian take 300 Test wickets, joining teammates Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc. But the first-innings lead of 74 quickly seemed like nowhere near enough when Australia suffered a collapse of 5-29 in just 45 minutes late on day two. Starc (58no) and Alex Carey (43) steered them out of dire trouble, but batting became significantly easier at the start of day three to give South Africa the confidence they could complete the chase. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hopes the Proteas' drought-busting World Test Championship title can help unite a nation and inspire a future for red-ball cricket in the country. Labelled as 'chokers' following years of blowing sudden-death ICC matches, the Proteas upstaged the defending champs Australia by winning a gripping WTC final at Lord's by five wickets to lift their first senior world trophy in the men's game. Saturday's victory was only South Africa's second ICC title in all, coming 27 years after they won the Champions Trophy back in 1998. Opener Aiden Markram wrote himself into South African cricket folklore with a classic 136, helped by a gritty captain's knock from hobbling hero Bavuma (66). South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs just before lunch on day four to complete the chase of 282, sparking emotional celebrations at the home of cricket. Going to stumps on Friday night in pole position at 2-213, this largely unheralded South Africa team ticked off the 69 runs required the next morning to create history that legends such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and AB de Villiers never could. Bavuma, the first Black South African Test captain, has looked up to the all-conquering Springboks' rugby team as an example for what sport can achieve in the divided country. "The biggest thing I admire about the Springboks is how they've kind of gone about it and embraced what being South African actually means," Bavuma said. "South Africa, we are unique in a lot of ways; our present and future is shaped by our past. "For the country this is a chance for us to rejoice in something, forget about our issues and really come together. "For this group of players, there were a lot of doubters as to the route that we took to to get to this point. "I do think the the way that we played would have wiped all of that out." The turnaround for the Proteas has been remarkable. This defining moment comes less than 18 months after they sent a heavily depleted squad to New Zealand so their stars could stay home and play in the country's T20 league instead. South Africa were predictably thrashed 2-0 by the Black Caps, but then went on to complete eight wins in a row to claim an unexpected Test title. Despite their historic triumph, the Proteas aren't scheduled to play any Tests at home this upcoming summer It was Australia's first loss in a world final since England beat them to claim the 2010 T20 title. 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Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) carried Australia on the first day, rolled for 212 after Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada fired with 5-51 in his first Test since receiving a one-man ban for testing positive to cocaine. But Australia's pace artillery struck back in typical fashion, running through the Proteas for only 138 thanks to Pat Cummins' 6-28. During one of his greatest spells, the star quick became the eighth Australian take 300 Test wickets, joining teammates Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc. But the first-innings lead of 74 quickly seemed like nowhere near enough when Australia suffered a collapse of 5-29 in just 45 minutes late on day two. Starc (58no) and Alex Carey (43) steered them out of dire trouble, but batting became significantly easier at the start of day three to give South Africa the confidence they could complete the chase. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
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‘I don't feel sorry for Josh': Luc Longley's telling Giddey praise amid $46m NBA call
Australian basketball legend Luc Longley is backing Josh Giddey to prove his doubters wrong and lead the Chicago Bulls back to NBA glory as the young Aussie awaits a monster payday. The 22-year endured a rocky start to his time at the Bulls after being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder last off-season in exchange for defensive stopper Alex Caruso. Watch every game of The NBA Finals LIVE with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. But Giddey went on a tear after the All-Star break after Chicago traded Zach Lavine, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists — a near triple double — in the home stretch of the season. OKC went on to win a league-high 68 regular season games this year after Giddey's departure and the Thunder are currently trailing the Indiana Pacers 2-1 in the NBA Finals as they chase a championship with a formidable roster. 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Longley highlighted Giddey's halfcourt buzzerbeater shot over the outstretched hands of LA Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic as potentially a pivotal moment in the point guard's career. 'I think that shot all by itself drew so much attention to the Bulls,' Longley said. 'For me, it was quite a poignant shot. 'I grew up with his dad playing basketball on national team and living in the Institute of Sport, and even still when I'm in Melbourne, I'm hanging out with his dad. 'So there's the Giddey connection. There's the Bulls connection. There's an Australian over there doing it the NBA. 'Then there's the fact it's over LeBron and Doncic — I particularly like the fact it's over the Lakers. It's just such a great shot. 'With Josh, I hope that they build the right pieces with him and around him. And I do believe in his appetite for it. 'I think he is supremely motivated by things more than money. He is deeply competitive.' The Lane Violation documentary follows the changing relationship between the only two Australian seven-footers to truly dominate in the NBA. When he was taken with the No. 1 pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005, Bogut famously said he was not as slow as Longley and more athletic and competitive. Those comments didn't go down with well with Longley, who told Bogut to 'pull his head in' at the time. The towering centres went on to work together at the Australian Boomers and with the Sydney Kings, where Bogut has moved into an assistant coaching role.
The Australian
3 hours ago
- The Australian
Impressive colt stands up for Phillip Stokes after favourite scratched at Murray Bridge
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