Greg Inglis has announced his shock, immediate retirement from all forms of football, citing a lack of desire as the reason why he is stepping away from the game.
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The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Queensland captain will immediately retire from all forms of rugby league – both club and representative – ending rampant recent speculation about his future in the game.
Inglis had previously stated that 2020 would be his final year in the game, with 2019 being his final season playing rep footy for Queensland. However today’s announcement brings that timeline forward significantly, drawing an immediate end to one of the all-time great footballing careers in Australian history.
Inglis ends his career on 266 NRL Games, first with the Melbourne Storm from 2005 through to 2010, and later with South Sydney, where he played a pivotal role in the Rabbitohs’ historic, drought-breaking 2014 premiership win.
In a press conference at the club’s Redfern headquarters, Inglis insisted his retirement was not due to injury or issues regarding mental health, and was a decision he made only after consulting with his family.
I just think it’s time and I think it’s the right decision for myself. I’ve come to terms with it. There has been a lot of speculation but as of today it’s official. There are no regrets.
My teammates 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.
It’s 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.
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.
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.
GI’s representative career saw him rake in 32 appearances for Queensland across 12 State of Origin series, covering a period where Queensland won all but two. Additionally, Inglis tallied 39 appearances for Australia, and scored the coveted Rugby League World Golden Boot award in 2009.
Bloody huge effort all around. One of the all-time greats.
