The 65-year-old sports icon is a household name for many Australians—a rugby league legend, a State of Origin hero, and one of the game’s revered Immortals.
But behind the accolades and the highlight reels, Lewis is now facing a very different kind of battle: one that’s invisible, relentless, and deeply personal.
In a recent, candid interview, Wally Lewis opened up about his ongoing struggle with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head knocks, and the profound impact it’s having not just on him, but on his new wife, Lynda Adams.
A legend’s private battle comes to light
Wally Lewis’s name is synonymous with rugby league greatness. From his debut in the late 1970s, through to his iconic performances for Queensland and Australia, Lewis was known for his toughness, vision, and leadership on the field.
But as with many contact sport athletes, the physical toll of his career has left a lasting mark.
Lewis first spoke publicly about his CTE diagnosis in 2023, bravely sharing his experience to raise awareness about the condition.
CTE, which can only be definitively diagnosed after death, is believed to be caused by repeated concussions and head injuries—something all too common in rugby league’s hard-hitting environment.
The early signs: Memory loss and denial
In a recent appearance on LiSTNR’s The Howie Games podcast, Lewis described the early warning signs that something was wrong.
‘I’m just having some real issues with my memory,’ he admitted. The symptoms began six or seven years ago, but it took him more than two years to seek medical help.
Like many men of his generation, Lewis was reluctant to admit vulnerability. ‘I didn’t want to be seen as the guy who wasn’t quite the full quid,’ he said.
When he finally did see a doctor, the experience was both embarrassing and confronting. ‘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’.’
The reality of the diagnosis hit hard: ‘There is no cure. When (my doctor) delivered that sentence to me, it was a slap in the face.’
The toll on loved ones: Lynda’s unseen burden
Just last month, Lewis married his partner of four years, Lynda Adams, in a private ceremony in Brisbane.
While the occasion was a joyful one, Lewis is acutely aware of the challenges his condition brings to their relationship.
‘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’.’
For Lynda, and for many partners of those living with dementia or CTE, the emotional toll can be immense. Repetition, confusion, and the gradual loss of shared memories can be heartbreaking.
Lewis is open about the guilt and frustration he feels, but also about the importance of moving past embarrassment and seeking support.
Breaking the silence: Encouraging others to get help
Since going public with his diagnosis, Lewis has become a beacon for other former players experiencing similar symptoms.
‘A lot of the footy guys have come (to me with symptoms),’ he revealed. ‘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.’
His message is clear: don’t suffer in silence. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference, not just for those living with CTE, but for their families as well.
The broader issue: CTE in Australian sport
Lewis’s story is part of a growing conversation about the long-term health risks faced by athletes in contact sports.
In recent years, CTE has been diagnosed in a number of former rugby league, AFL, and NFL players, sparking calls for better concussion protocols, more research, and greater support for retired athletes.
For older Australians, especially those who played sport in their youth, Lewis’s experience is a sobering reminder of the importance of brain health.
If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss, confusion, or other cognitive changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP or a specialist.
Finding hope and enjoying life
Despite the challenges, Lewis remains determined to make the most of his life. ‘I am very hopeful and very determined that I am going to enjoy the rest of my life,’ he said. ‘But I don’t want to be in a nursing home in the years to come.’
His honesty and resilience inspire not just sports fans but anyone facing a difficult diagnosis. His love story with Lynda is a testament to the power of patience, understanding, and support in the face of adversity.
Support for carers and families
It’s important to remember that conditions like CTE don’t just affect the individual—they impact the whole family. Carers often face emotional, physical, and financial challenges.
If you’re supporting a loved one with dementia or a similar condition, there are resources available, including Dementia Australia and Carers Australia, which offer advice, support groups, and respite services.
Have your say
Have you or someone you love experienced memory loss or a dementia diagnosis? How did it affect your family, and what advice would you give to others in a similar situation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your story could help someone else feel less alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with memory loss or cognitive changes, speak to your GP or contact Dementia Australia’s National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Also read: Tributes flow as Australian radio legend passes away at 58
