Inglis ends ‘incredible journey’
SYDNEY: For a bloke who cannot lift his arm above his head, Greg Inglis looked like he had the weight of the world off his shoulders.
Inglis announced his immediate retirement yesterday, ending the 15year career of one of the greatest players of his generation.
‘‘What a career. It’s been an incredible journey,’’ Inglis told a packed media conference at Redfern Oval. I’m happy with my decision.’’
The sudden ending, more than a year earlier than previously planned, came after an injury-dogged start to the NRL season. The South Sydney captain has been sidelined since aggravating a chronic shoulder problem in round two.
The 32yearold test and Origin great refused to pin the decision on his ailing body, which has also had persistent knee troubles, although he felt he could not lead in the way he used to.
‘‘There’s no retirement through mental illness or injuries or that,’’ Inglis said.
‘‘I just think it’s time and the right decision for myself. I’ve been contemplating it for a while now. I’ve come to terms with it.’’
Pressed on whether it was injury that forced his hand, Inglis said: ‘‘Nah it wasn’t.
‘‘I’ve bounced back from ACL, I’ve bounced back from many injuries before.
‘‘It wasn’t that. The way I see it, if I can’t go out 100%, I wouldn’t be able to perform the best I can. That’s what I expect of myself as a leader.’’
Inglis retires after playing in 263 NRL games, five grand finals and winning a premiership with the Rabbitohs in 2014.
He also won two grand finals with the Melbourne in 2007 and 2009, but both titles were stripped from the club due to its salary cap cheating.
Inglis played 39 tests for Australia and 32 State of Origin games as he built a reputation as one of the most devastating attackers the game has seen.
Inglis informed Rabbitohs management of his decision last Monday, but was given the week to return to his home town of Kempsey and consider his position.
‘‘The weight was off my shoulders after spending back home in Coffs Harbour and Macksville — I just knew then,’’ he said.
He told his teammates after their game on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday. Inglis will continue to be involved in the Rabbitohs’ football department and their community work. — AAP