Inglis retirement confirmed
South Sydney captain Greg Inglis has confirmed he is retiring immediately after 14 seasons in the NRL.
The 32-year-old told his Rabbitohs’ team-mates after last Saturday’s win over the Warriors on the Sunshine Coast, but made a public announcement at a Rabbitohs press conference in Sydney yesterday.
The Queensland State of Origin skipper played 39 tests for Australia and 32 Origin games and played a vital role in Souths’ first premiership title for 43 years in 2017.
‘‘I just think it’s time and I think it’s the right decision for myself. I’ve come to terms with it,’’ Inglis said.
‘‘There has been a lot of speculation but as of today it’s official. There are no regrets.
‘‘My team-mates are here. They didn’t have to come today but that shows the care of the club.
‘‘This club has given me everything, every opportunity. And my former club Melbourne Storm gave me my opportunity.’’
Inglis – widely regarded as an all-time NRL great – said his retirement was ‘‘not due to mental health or injuries’’.
‘‘I just think it’s the right time for me. I’ve been contemplating it for a while now and I’ve come to terms with it.
‘‘That’s me calling time on my career. No-one else has called it.
‘‘I’m happy with my decision. I get to work with the club and stay around Redfern and work with the boys and the community.
‘‘My journey’s only just starting now.’’
Inglis was sent home last week by Souths coach Wayne Bennett to consider his future. He missed the Rabbitohs’ win over the Warriors on the Sunshine Coast last Saturday.
As he arrived at Souths’ HQ in Sydney yesterday, he was unexpectedly met by his father, in a show of solidarity.
‘‘My dad was a legend to me and he still is and unbeknown to me he jumped on a train and turned up here this morning to be with me.
‘‘I didn’t think it was real so I punched him in the chest and he cried.’’
Bennett said Inglis’ name would be mentioned ‘‘alongside the greats of the game in our history’’.
‘‘Greg will be celebrated as one of the most talented players to have played our game. I think he can have as great an impact on the next group of players as a coach and I’m looking forward to joining him on that path.
‘‘What he has done for his clubs, for his people, for Queensland and for Australia over a long period time has been exceptional, and today he starts to walk the next path in his career.’’
Inglis played 266 NRL games, formed a critical part of Queensland’s golden State Origin era through 32 matches for his state and pulled on the green and gold jersey for the Kangaroos on 39 occasions.
Wherever Inglis has gone, success followed.