‘GI’ SHAME WON’T AFFECT MAROONS
GREG Inglis’ hold on the Queensland captaincy has not been jeopardised by his drink-driving charge.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters said he and QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher had agreed yesterday that his two-match suspension from the Australian side this month and loss of the captaincy was sufficient penalty because he had accepted responsibility.
Inglis, who was charged by NSW police on Monday for speeding and for returning a .085 blood alcohol reading at Lithgow, captained Queensland in the two Origin matches this year in which he was fit to play.
The NRL announced Inglis’ sanctions two hours after he had declined to relinquish his first-time captaincy appointment. He apologised for his drinkdriving, but effectively left any penalty within the game up to the NRL.
“We support what the NRL have done but it won’t affect what we do with Greg next year for the Origin series,’’ Walters said.
“Greg will be the Queensland captain, touch wood. He did a great job for us this year and we know he’s a very strong leader. I spoke to Bruce this morning and we were of the same opinion. We are disappointed with Greg’s actions, certainly.
“Greg understands it was stupid what he did and it was fortunate no one was injured. He apologised for that.’’
Inglis returned a midrange blood alcohol reading when his car pulled over at Lithgow, 155km from Gulgong, where he said he had started driving at about midday on Monday.
Australian coach Mal Meninga said Inglis, 31, would be welcomed back into the Kangaroos next year by his teammates and management.
South Sydney teammate Dane Gagai was added to the 18-man Australian squad as a replacement for Inglis.
Sydney Roosters premiership co-captain Boyd Cordner was named to lead the Kangaroos.