Rugby league: Wally Lewis continued affair despite being confronted by wife

Wally Lewis and wife Jacqueline, pictured in late 2019, are in the midst of a dramatic break-up. Photo / Getty

Wally Lewis was cheating for years and continued the affair despite being confronted by his wife, Jackie.

This is just one of the explosive revelations in a bombshell report in The Courier-Mail that has blown the lid off the NRL legend's attempt to keep his family mess private.

After Lewis delivered a carefully-worded statement earlier this week revealing his marriage had ended and he'd begun a new relationship with Townsville volunteer worker and writer Lynda Adams, the real family-shattering details have come to light.

The Courier-Mail has revealed:

• Lewis and Adams would see each other regularly when he travelled to Townsville to cover North Queensland Cowboys games;

• Jackie first confronted her husband three years ago after becoming suspicious of his behaviour. He came clean but continued the affair;

• Jackie finally pulled the pin last year, selling the family's home of 26 years in Brisbane out from under her husband;

• Lewis' three high-profile children, actor Lincoln, radio presenter Mitchell and rugby league player Jamie-Lee, are furious with him; and,

• Lincoln, the Home And Away star, has strongly sided with Jackie and is refusing to speak to his father.

Lewis wouldn't answer questions about the affair when contacted by The Courier-Mail on Friday, but sent a text saying: "I have been at pains to say that our family as much as we are public figures ask that our privacy at this sad time be respected. We cannot control gossip but we know the true facts and much of this is simply not true. I will not be making any comments about this very private and sensitive matter."

Lewis and estranged wife Jackie seemed invincible just eight weeks ago — if you read the heartbreaking affection the rugby league icon shows to his former partner in his new autobiography.

In the book, the Queensland State of Origin cult hero revealed how his marriage went to hell and back in recent years, but claimed they emerged through every hurdle stronger, together.

It seems unthinkable that the couple that has created headlines around the country this week is the same as the perfect pair mentioned in Lewis' book, My Life: Wally Lewis, co-written with Steve Haddan.

But their 36-year union has been torn apart after Lewis fell for mum-of-one Adams.

The volunteer worker and writer has become well known in Townsville for her long-time charity work with local support group Still Birth and Neonatal Death Support (SANDS).

She suffered six miscarriages in four years before undergoing successful IVF treatment, celebrating the birth of her now teenage daughter Sydney with ex-husband Mark Adams.

Lewis confirmed he had separated from Jackie in a statement released by Channel 9 this week.

"Wally and Jackie Lewis separated last year after 36 years of marriage. It has been a difficult time for everyone in the family and they are still working through the details of the separation," the statement read.

Lewis admitted the separation had taken a heavy toll on his family and confirmed he is in a new relationship.

"This is a deeply personal matter that we do not want to discuss publicly, but I want to acknowledge the pain and upset my family has gone through since Jackie and I separated last year. I hope over time we can rebuild our ties and move on with life," Lewis said.

"I will confirm I am now in another relationship and only ask for the media to respect our privacy."