Manly legend Mark Carroll has shared a devastating update on his tragic health battle with a degenerative brain disease. The former New South Wales State of Origin star has been one of the highest profile legends of the sport living with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His bravery in sharing his journey has helped shine a light on the issue of concussions in the sport — and his campaigning has also put CTE treatment and prevention on the agenda in sessions of parliament. However, his latest update confirms news no fan wants to hear.
The popular TV and radio commentator has revealed why some fans have recently noticed changes in his on-air presentation. The former Panthers, Souths and Sea Eagles prop has shared a video on social media to why his voice has a times changed this season. Carroll, 57, revealed he’s suffering from anxiety as a result of the CTE, which leaves his body feeling tight and inevitably impacts his delivery on air.
CTE Impact on Mental Health
“I just wanted to explain why I sound like this,” he said on a video posted to Instagram. “I wish it was from getting hit in the throat like my great mate Geoff Toovey or Gary Larson. Unfortunately it’s the symptoms of CTE. I’ve got anxiety. Why? I’ve got no idea. But I’m so tight right through the body and that’s why I’ve got this bloody throat (issue). To the people who have texted me after hearing me on radio and on Fox, I’m doing my best to be the best.”
He also revealed in the caption: “Just like to take a minute to thank you all for your support and kindness towards my recent and continuing struggles with CTE. If you or someone that you know is struggling or has similar symptoms/concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out. Stronger together.”
The Reality of CTE
The brain disorder can only be properly diagnosed after death. His condition is all-too-regular in rugby league with the likes of Steve Mortimer, Mario Fenech and Wally Lewis also showing symptoms of CTE. Carroll last year underwent a PET scan which showed signs of the disease. He also spoke bravely about suicidal thoughts he has encountered as a result of the repeated head knocks he suffered on the football field.
Growing Awareness and Action
Awareness around head knocks has rapidly increased, with the NRL recently introducing new concussion protocols, while the AFL was last year hit with an unprecedented class action from more than 60 former players still suffering from concussions. Carroll has previously said he wants to sit with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to talk about passing changes to Medicare that will cover the cost of a $900 PET scan to help diagnose Australians who suffer from CTE.
“A lot of these people don’t have money, $900 is a lot of money. Get it passed by Medicare and just tick the box, mine came back with a massive cross but then you take it on,” he said. “I’ve lost a couple of people due to suicide the great Paul Green passed away… there had to be demons in his head going on and on and on because you just don’t go and take your life the next day it’s about planning. I’ve had squirrels in my head as well and thank God the ones I had on my good side didn’t cause me to take my life. I’m pleading to the NRL to step forward and take the next hit up in rugby league terms but also I’m calling out the government, Albanese a mad Souths man, seriously it’s about mental health, we’ve got to start somewhere.”
The Path to Diagnosis and the Impact of CTE
Former rugby league halfback and Cowboys coach Paul Green died last year aged 49 and was found to have been suffering from severe CTE. Carroll only went to get a brain scan once he watched former South Sydney Rabbitohs star Fenech’s story about forgetting his son’s wedding because of early onset dementia. The former New South Wales State of Origin star sought help after listening to News Corp’s podcast Head Noise. It was following these tests when his doctors passed on the devastating news he was suffering from the degenerative brain disease CTE.
“Am I going to die?” Carroll asked Dr Rowena Mobbs, as reported by The Australian. “Doc, you are scaring me.” After the NRL introduced tougher rules surrounding concussion, Carroll was fearful for more players from his generation that didn’t have the protection in place for today’s players.
“It was a badge of honour back then. Me against the Chief (Paul Harragon) – it was battle time,” Carroll told 7NEWS. “When we were coming through we didn’t have any protocols, we didn’t know about this.” “Mate, I just broke up in tears,” he said. “I said to her, ‘am I going to die?’ It was a week after Paul Green took his life.” “It’s bloody horrible, you dish it out but you don’t want to hear the consequences.”
The Urgent Need for Action: A Call for Change
Carroll’s candid and heartbreaking story serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of repeated head knocks in rugby league. While the NRL has implemented new concussion protocols, the CTE diagnosis of high-profile players like Carroll highlights the need for further action. As Carroll urges, it is time for the NRL and the government to prioritize mental health and work together to protect players from the devastating effects of CTE. His call for more accessible and affordable PET scans is a critical step in the right direction, as it will enable earlier diagnosis and potentially mitigate the long-term consequences of this devastating disease. The future of rugby league depends on it.
