Mark Carroll goes public with sad admission about family amid awful situation for NRL legend

NRL legend Mark Carroll has lamented the "crap" he put his family through during his career and post-retirement, revealing he broke down in tears watching the first episode of a new TV show he features in. Carroll makes a cameo in ABC show 'Plum', about a fictitious former rugby league player battling the symptoms of CTE in retirement.

The show was created by actor Brendan Cowell (who plays Peter 'Plum' Lum) after he originally authored a book about it. The mini-series shows some of the physical and mental struggles that former rugby league players face due to repeated head knocks they suffered throughout their careers, further shining a spotlight on concussion and some of the awful consequences.

Carroll has spoken publicly about his battle with suspected CTE over the last 12 months, and makes an appearance in the first episode of 'Plum' as Lum's teammate with the Kangaroos. Discussing the show and his acting cameo on SEN radio on Thursday, Carroll revealed he broke down in tears while watching.

"I'm a crier and I shed a tear," he told Joel Caine and Bryan Fletcher. "I'm thinking to myself 'I put my family through a lot of crap', but I don't mean to. Thank god I'm not a drinker...Plum drinks a lot. Hopefully we can save a few people out there."

Mark Carroll's battle with CTE after multiple head knocks

Carroll played 202 first-grade games across an illustrious career during stints with Manly, South Sydney, Penrith and the London Broncos. He also played seven State of Origin games for NSW and 12 Test matches for Australia.

The 57-year-old and his family are still heavily involved in rugby league, with daughter Indi a cheerleader for the Sea Eagles and wife Monique the group's choreographer. Carroll is best known for some of his battles with Newcastle legend Paul Harragon, but they've resulted in some dire consequences.

Carroll revealed last year that doctors have told him he's likely suffering from CTE, a brain disorder which can only be properly diagnosed after death. CTE stands for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and is a form of dementia that is caused by repeated head injuries - often found in athletes who played contact sports. The likes of Wally Lewis, Steve Mortimer and Mario Fenech have all revealed in recent years that they's suffering the effects in post-retirement life.

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Mark Carroll forced to explain why voice sounds different

In September, Carroll revealed the situation has affected his voice after fans noticed he sounded strained in TV and radio appearances. Some asked if it was due to knocks he received to the throat during his playing, but Carroll revealed he's been battling anxiety and it changes the way his voice sounds.

"I just wanted to explain why I sound like this," he said in 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 wrote 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."

Carroll has been campaigning for more government funding to research and promote awareness of CTE, as well as better benefits to reduce costs involved. On Thursday he revealed himself and James Graham have been working on an initiative that will be revealed in coming weeks.