GI brings optimism to Souths
GREG Inglis is back but are South Sydney as well? That’s the question the NRL world is asking after the Rabbitohs talisman made his long- awaited return from a knee injury and battle with mental demons on Saturday night.
Inglis played for 19 minutes before being given an early shower in Souths’ 22- 18 win over St George Illawarra in the Charity Shield in Mudgee. Starting at centre, where he is expected to ply his trade this year, Inglis made just 29m from three runs.
But it mattered little as the Rabbitohs skipper took a big leap forward in his recovery.
Inglis had not played since March 3 when he suffered a serious knee injury against the Wests Tigers.
“It’s been awesome to see him train the last couple of weeks and get out there and have a little run,” former captain John Sutton said.
“So I can’t wait to see him round one.”
Hooker Damien Cook added: “It was exciting, just watching him at training.”
Souths’ 2017 season virtually ended when Inglis limped off early in the second half of their season opener last year.
While it’s difficult to discern too much from trial form, they appeared to have rediscovered their attacking spark under new coach Anthony Seibold.
Cook, who is set to start ahead of veteran rake Robbie Farah, was once again dynamic. Star recruit Dane Gagai looked sharp while five- eighth Cody Walker crossed for a sublime four- pointer in the second half running off Sutton.