BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY Greg Inglis (born 15 January 1987) is an Australian professional rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the NRL.[1] A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative outside back, he previously played for the Melbourne Storm, with whom he won two grand finals, a Clive Churchill Medal and the Golden Boot Award; he is Indigenous Australian. Inglis is a versatile back, having played in several positions during his career. He originally played on the wing or in the centres. He even played at fullback when Billy Slater was unavailable. Between 2007 and early 2009 he played at five-eighth for the Melbourne Storm before he switched to centre when Brett Finch arrived at the Storm, where he played for the remainder of his time at the club until the end of 2010. Inglis' representative matches for Queensland and Australia have been as a winger or centre. In November 2009, Inglis won the Golden Boot Award as the world's best player – presented to him byRugby League World magazine, becoming the third consecutive Storm player to win it, after Cameron Smith (2007) and Billy Slater (2008).[2] His cousins are Albert Kelly of the Gold Coast Titans,[3] Beau Champion of the South Sydney Rabbitohs[4] and former player, Dally M Player of the year and former Gold Coast Titans player Preston Campbell.[5]
Rugby League career
Early years
Inglis began playing rugby league at a very young age for the Bowraville Tigers in New South Wales. At only 15 years old, after being seen playing at a junior carnival on the NSW North Coast, Inglis signed his first professional contract with the Melbourne Storm but actually played his first senior game at 16 for Newcastle Hunter in New South Wales. Inglis' cousin Albert Kelly, who grew up alongside him in Bowraville has said that their whole family had always supported New South Wales.[6] While in Year 11 at Brisbane's Wavell State High School, Inglis played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 2004 and was already attracting media attention as an NRL star of the future.[7] He played his first under 18s game for the Brisbane Wombats in 2004.[8] Before the end of the 2004 season the Storm had added Inglis to their full-time playing roster for the following year.[9]
Melbourne Storm
2005
Inglis played for Melbourne during 2005's pre-season in a trial match against the Brisbane Broncos, scoring a try in the Storm's win.[10] While playing for Brisbane's Norths Devilsin the 2005 Queensland Cup, Inglis scored 12 tries in five games[11] and had already become the subject of a custody battle between Queensland and New South Wales over which state he would play State of Origin for. He scored 194 points for the Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup.[12] Inglis made his NRL Premiership debut at eighteen years of age as a replacement to injured winger Jake Webster in Melbourne's match against the Parramatta Eels, scoring a try in a 14–26 loss.
Inglis would go on to play a month later at fullback, against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, scoring another try. He played at fullback when Billy Slater was on Origin duty, or at wing or the bench as he slowly solidified himself in the Storm side. At the 2005 Dally M Awards Inglis was nominated for the Rookie of the Year, but lost to Parramatta's Tim Smith.
The Storm went on to reach the finals that season and in a playoff match against Brisbane, Inglis got his first experience in finals football. With the game still in the balance, Billy Slater was helped from the field with an ankle injury and Inglis replaced him. After being on the field for five minutes, he crossed the Broncos' line untouched to score the match-winning try.[13]
Unfortunately for the Storm, they lost in the Semi-Finals to the North Queensland Cowboys 16–24, ending their season.
2006
Season 2006 saw Inglis continue to play primarily in the fullback role as his counterpart Billy Slater was suspended after he began the season at centre. He was chosen as goalkicker for the Storm after the departure of Matt Orford, but the role was given to Cameron Smith after Inglis kicked just 1 from 5 against the New Zealand Warriors. After scoring 9 tries in 9 games, he was selected in the starting line up in the Queensland State of Origin team.
Inglis' selection for the Queensland State of Origin series team in 2006 created controversy. Inglis was born and raised in Bowraville, New South Wales, and played his first senior football in New South Wales (in the Arrive Alive Cup). Hunter Sports High coach Steve Dunn claimed that Inglis playing for the school in the Arrive Alive Cup should make him eligible for NSW while Queensland Rugby League claim that either Wavell State High School or Brisbane Norths was Inglis' first senior football.[14] League statistician David Middleton believed that Inglis should be playing for NSW.[15] The matter was resolved when the ARL gave Inglis the green light to play for Queensland, because it ruled that his first senior football was at Wavell High. However, later investigations revealed that Inglis played his first senior game for Newcastle's Hunter Sports High School at the age of 16, and is therefore technically not eligible to play for Queensland.[16] However, Inglis went on to begin his State of Origin career with the Maroons, lining up alongside Storm team mates Cameron Smith and Dallas Johnson. A few early errors were soon forgotten when Inglis scored two tries and saved one. Unfortunately for Inglis, this was not enough for Queensland to win the match. In the game after his brilliant Origin debut, Inglis suffered a back injury against the Sydney Roosters. This injury kept him out for two months, effectively making him miss the rest of the 2006 State of Origin series. It was around this time that Inglis signed for the Storm for a further four seasons, keeping him at the club until 2010. The deal was worth about $2 million, making him the richest teenager in Rugby League.
On his return from injury, Inglis continued in the centre position and was an important factor in the Storm winning the 2006 NRL season's Minor Premiership. The Storm cruised through the finals, beating the Parramatta Eels 12–6, and the St. George Illawarra Dragons 24–10, and eventually met the Brisbane Broncos in the 2006 NRL Grand Final, which was won by the Broncos, 15–8. Inglis finished the season with 18 tries and 2 goals, an effort which earned him selection in the Australian team for the 2006 Tri-Nations series. Inglis scored four tries in his opening three tests against New Zealand and Great Britain and featured in the Final against New Zealand, which the Kangaroos won 16–12.
2007
In 2007, Inglis was switched primarily to five-eighth; his form at five-eighth was often criticized. In the opening month of the 2007 NRL Season, Inglis failed to score a try. He sustained a knee injury against the Newcastle Knights which kept him out of the 2007 ANZAC Test. Despite not scoring at five-eighth, Inglis was selected for the Queensland State of Origin team for the 2007 State of Origin series, playing on the wing. In Game I, he scored 2 tries in Queensland's 25–18 come-from-behind victory, giving him a record of four tries from two matches.
Inglis finally scored his first try of 2007 in Round 12, against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He was again selected to play on the wing for his state, and scored in Queensland's 10–6 win, which gave Queensland their second consecutive Origin series victory. Despite scoring 3 tries in 2 games on the wing for QLD, Storm coach Craig Bellamy kept pursuing Inglis as a five-eighth. Inglis scored his first double for the NRL Season against the North Queensland Cowboys. In Game III of the Origin series, Inglis injured a ligament in his knee after just 22 minutes, and as a result missed 2 weeks of action. QLD ultimately lost the game, 18–4, but had already wrapped up the series.
Following his return, Inglis and the Storm focused on the finals. The Storm suffered their third loss of 2007 in Round 20 against a Brad Fittler coached Sydney Roosters side. Following this, the Storm remained undefeated for the rest of the season, winning their second consecutive Minor Premiership.
In the finals, the Storm got redemption from the heartbreaking 2006 loss after beating the Brisbane Broncos 40–0 in the Qualifying Final, eliminating them from the competition for 2007. They defeated the Parramatta Eels 26–10 in what turned out to be Timana Tahu's last game before switching to Rugby Union. In the 2007 NRL Grand Final, the Storm faced off against the Manly Sea Eagles, who finished second. After a 10–4 lead at halftime and an untimely injury to Brett Stewart, the Storm blew Manly off the park, winning 34–8. Inglis scored two tries and as a result was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal.
Inglis also played in the one-off test at the end of the year. Inglis scored a hat-trick in Australia's record breaking 58–0 thrashing of New Zealand.
2008
Inglis had shoulder surgery in the 2007–2008 off-season, and consequently missed the opening 2 rounds of the 2008 NRL Season. He returned in the Round 3 clash with theSydney Roosters, which the Storm lost 10–6, giving them their first consecutive losses since Round 3 and 4 of the 2006 NRL Season (they lost to the Cronulla Sharks the previous week). Over the next month, Inglis featured the Storm's wins over Brisbane Broncos, Grand Final opponents Manly Sea Eagles, Canberra Raiders and North Queensland Cowboys.
Inglis was selected in the Australian team for the historical Centenary Test against New Zealand. Inglis provided a historical moment, by amazingly hitting the ball into the field of play to provide Mark Gasnier with a try. Australia won 28–12. Inglis was selected to play for Queensland for the 2008 State of Origin series in the centres. He was in Queensland's Game I loss to New South Wales, 18–10. In Game II, he had a brilliant performance, setting up two tries for Darius Boyd as QLD won 30–0.
Around this time, Sonny Bill Williams walked out of the Bulldogs and joined French Rugby Union side RC Toulonnais, despite being contracted with the Dogs until 2012. This move was believed to be instigated by Khoder Nassar, who is also the manager of former 3-time World Champion boxer Anthony Mundine, who walked out of the St. George Illawarra Dragons in 2000. Inglis, who is family friends with both Mundine and Nassar, was rumoured to be on the verge of walking out of the Storm and joining Super Rugby side theWestern Force, despite being contracted until 2010. However, Inglis stayed loyal to the Storm and extended his contract until 2012.
In a match against the North Queensland Cowboys, Inglis scored his first hat-trick since Round 5, 2006, as the Storm won 48–20. In Game III of the Origin series, QLD won 16–10, getting their third consecutive series win. Despite having a solid series, Inglis failed to score during the Origin campaign. In the final 7 games of season, Inglis scored 11 tries as the Storm won their third consecutive Minor Premiership. At the 2008 Dally M Awards, Inglis was named Five-Eighth of the Year and Representative Player of the Year, as well as winning the Headline Moment of the Year for his brilliant assist to Mark Gasnier in the 2008 Centenary Test.
In the finals, the Storm lost 15–18 to the 8th place New Zealand Warriors, becoming the first 1st placed team to lose an 8th place team. In the Semi-Finals, the Storm faced theBrisbane Broncos. In a brilliant match, Inglis scored with 56 seconds remaining to give the Storm a 16–14 victory. The Storm easily beat the Cronulla Sharks, 28–0, to qualify to another Grand Final. However, they lost in a record breaking 40–0 clash with the Manly Sea Eagles, failing to retain their Premiership.
In August 2008, Inglis was named in the preliminary 46-man Kangaroos squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.[17][18]
Inglis was confirmed in the final 24-man Australia squad to compete in the World Cup at the end of the 2008 season.[19] He scored in Australia's 30–6 win over New Zealand, and a hat-trick in their 52–4 win over England. He also scored in the Semi-Final win over Fiji, before Australia surprisingly lost the Final, 34–20, against New Zealand. Inglis scored 6 tries in 4 games for the tournament, and scored in every match he played for the tournament.
2009
At the start of the 2009 season Inglis attracted a lot of attention due to how much weight he'd gained since the previous season, having bulked from 99 kg up to 110 kg, making him one of the biggest players in the game. He scored the first try of the season for 2009 against St George Illawarra as well as being one of the best on ground. He scored the match winning field goal to win the game for the Storm, 17–16. In doing so, he had not only ruined Wayne Bennett's last game in charge of the Brisbane Broncos but also his first game coaching the St George Illawarra Dragons, by scoring the match winning point.[20]
The Storm had a shaky start to the season, going by a win-loss pattern until Round 7, which they drew with the New Zealand Warriors. They extracted Grand Final revenge on Premiers Manly, with Inglis scoring. During this time, Storm coach Craig Bellamy experimented by putting Cameron Smith at five-eighth, Inglis back in the centres and Ryan Hinchcliffe at hooker. However, after Brett Finch was released by the Parramatta Eels, the Storm signed him and made him their first choice five-eighth, putting Inglis back at his preferred centres position.
He was selected for Australia in the one-off test match against New Zealand on 8 May 2009.[21] This selected was unique, as Inglis was part of an all-Queensland backline, including Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Justin Hodges, Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston. This feat had not been achieved since 1924. Australia won 38–10, with the superstar backline scoring all the points, proving Queensland's recent dominance.
In April 2009, he was named in the preliminary 25-man squad to represent Queensland in the opening State of Origin match for 2009,[22] and was subsequently picked at centre for the opening State of Origin match.[23] In Game I, Inglis scored 2 tries, as Queensland won 28–18. Meanwhile, the Storm maintained their position in the Top 4 of the NRL competition.
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In Game II, Inglis scored again as Queensland recorded a 24–14 win over New South Wales, becoming the first team to win 4 consecutive Origin series. In Game II, Inglis was taken off the field in the first half after receiving a punch to the face from Trent Barrett, but still played against the Canberra Raiders that weekend in which he scored.
In Game III, New South Wales won 28–16, in a game that featured a memorable brawl in the 79th minute. Inglis received the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series that year in recognition of his efforts during the 2009 State of Origin series.[24]
After Karmichael Hunt shockingly signed with the new AFL club the Gold Coast, Inglis revealed he wouldn't mind "having a crack" at AFL. This created concern that Inglis may make a switch, but Inglis made it clear on the Footy Show that he will fulfill his contract with the Melbourne Storm.
On 10 August 2009, Inglis was charged with recklessly causing injury and the unlawful assault of his girlfriend Sally Robinson the previous day, and was indefinitely suspended from playing with the Melbourne Storm.[25][26] Inglis was cleared to return to play with the Melbourne Storm by the club's board and the NRL on 27 August.[27] Inglis pleaded not guilty to the charges, with the case adjourned for a contest hearing on 12 April 2010.[28] After his court hearing was postponed, Inglis made his comeback against the Sydney Roosters, scoring a double in the Storm's final game at Olympic Park. Inglis also scored in the Storm's 30–0 win over the New Zealand Warriors as they finished 4th for the season. At the 2009 Dally M Awards Inglis was named centre of the year and representative player of the year.
In the finals, the Storm comfortably defeated Premiers Manly 40–12, before defeating the Brisbane Broncos 40–10, in which Inglis scored a hat-trick. The Storm qualified for their fourth consecutive Grand Final, against the Parramatta Eels. Ironically, the Eels were the last team to make it to four consecutive Grand Finals in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984.
In the 2009 NRL Grand Final against the Parramatta Eels, Inglis scored a try from a Cooper Cronk bomb and kicked a final field goal in the Storm's 23–16 win.[29] From this victory, Inglis become a dual-premiership player as the Storm capped off their dominance by winning their second premiership in three years.
Post-season he travelled with the Kangaroos to Europe to play in the 2009 Four Nations tournament. He played in the 20 all draw with New Zealand, and scored in a 26–16 win over England. He also scored in the 46–16 Final win over England and was named player of the series in the Four nations final.[30]
Inglis also claimed the Golden Boot Award for the best rugby league player in the world. In December 2009 Inglis won his state's major sporting award by being named "Sport Star of the Year" at the Queensland Sports Awards, becoming the first footballer of any code to win it.[31]
2010
Although selected for the Indigenous All Stars side to face the NRL All Stars in the inaugural All Stars match on 13 February, Inglis was ruled out due to a hip injury.[32] He recovered in time to play for the Storm in their victory over the Super League champions Leeds Rhinos in the 2010 World Club Challenge which the Storm won, 18–10. On 19 April 2010, against rivals the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Inglis injured his ankle but was later ruled to have not suffered a serious injury, continued his playing duties. The Storm subsequently lost 16–18, their first back to back losses of the season, and their last game before the salary cap drama unfolded. For the 2010 ANZAC Test, Inglis was selected to play for Australia at centre in their victory against New Zealand. The assault allegation affair ended in April 2010 when Inglis avoided a conviction, accepting a diversion order.[33] It was revealed that the Storm had been breaching the salary cap since 2005, and were subsequently stripped of their NRL Premiership victories in 2007 and 2009. They were also stripped of their 2006, 2007 and 2008 Minor Premiership trophies. Finally, they were stripped of their accumulated premiership points that season and were barred from obtaining any competition points from the 2010 NRL Season, meaning they would inevitably get the wooden spoon, the first in the club's history. Inglis was still allowed to continue to be recognised as the Clive Churchill Medallist from the 2007 Grand Final. In Round 10, Inglis scored a personal best 16 points, with 3 tries and 2 goals against the Canberra Raiders. In doing so, he brought his career try tally to 72 tries, overtaking Marcus Bai to become the 3rd highest tryscorer for the Melbourne Storm, behind retired legend Matt Geyer and current teammate Billy Slater. In Game I of the 2010 State of Origin series, Inglis scored a try in Queensland's 28–24 win as they look to achieve a 5th straight series win.
On Friday, 11 June 2010, Timana Tahu walked out of the New South Wales Origin camp, which was cited as "personal reasons". On 12 June, however, it was revealed that Tahu walked because of racial comments made by New South Wales Assistant Coach Andrew Johns. It was later revealed the comments were directed at Inglis, as Johns was talking about him with NSW debutant Beau Scott, who faced off with Inglis in Game II. On 13 June, Tahu revealed that Inglis was not the only target of the racial comments. On 24 June, Inglis said that Johns should be banned from any further involvement in the game of rugby league. In July 2010, Inglis reportedly accepted an apology from Johns. This triggered Inglis to have a big Game II, scoring the opening try and engaging in a brawl with debutant Beau Scott. This 34–6 victory to Queensland gave them their record fifth straight series win. Inglis continued his strong week, scoring 10 points (1 try, 3 goals) in the Storm's 58–12 thrashing of the North Queensland Cowboys. QLD achieved their first series whitewash since 1995, and the first of Origin since 2000, to cap off their fifth consecutive series win, winning a thrilling 23–18 encounter.
In the wake of the salary cap problems at the Storm, Inglis' future at the club after 2010 became uncertain. Many clubs from four football codes (rugby league, rugby union, American football and Australian rules) pursued him. Clubs included the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Catalans Dragons, Essendon Football Club and New York Jets. On 10 August 2010, Inglis signed with the Brisbane Broncos for the 2011 and 2012 NRL seasons in a deal worth $1.2 million.[34] The Broncos had released a key player in Israel Folau who joined AFL club GWS, which freed up the funds necessary to secure Inglis' services. Inglis' girlfriend Sally Robinson was living and working in Brisbane, a factor which is said to have helped Inglis make his decision to sign with the Broncos.[35] In August 2010, after the Storm agreed to release Inglis after the 2010 NRL Season, Inglis announced he will join the Brisbane Broncos. On 1 September 2010, the Broncos ordered Inglis to have a shoulder reconstruction in the 2010–2011 off-season. This caused Inglis to miss the end of year Four Nations. In his final game for the Storm, against the Newcastle Knights, Inglis scored 2 tries as the Storm won 34–4. The win sent off several players who were leaving the club at the end of 2010 due to the salary cap drama. Inglis had also finished the 2010 season as the Storm's top try-scorer with 11.[36] By October 2010, no contract with the Broncos had been signed, due to the Storm refusing to release Inglis, who owed the club $113,000 worth of legal fees.
Brisbane Broncos[edit]
On 24 October 2010, the Storm revealed that Inglis owes the Melbourne Storm $113,000 worth of legal fees following his 2009 assault charge. A week later, the South Sydney Rabbitohs made an offer to Inglis. Inglis missed the Broncos first training session of the 2010–2011 pre-season on 1 November, citing bad weather in Sydney, where he was staying, as the reason. Two days later, future Broncos team-mate Justin Hodges criticised the treatment of Inglis, saying Inglis is considering walking out of rugby league. On 5 November, the Broncos gave Inglis a 24-hour deadline to sign with the club. On 6 November, after Inglis failed to reach Brisbane, the Broncos pulled out of signing Inglis, leaving him without a club for 2011 and beyond.[37] Inglis also received an offer from French rugby club Toulon, backing up Hodges' claim that Inglis may walk out of rugby league.[38] On 2 November, Inglis assured Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen he will play for the Broncos in 2011, and repeated the same act on 5 November. By 6 November, the Broncos had pulled out of signing Inglis after he failed to sign with the club within a 24-hour deadline. Inglis's inability to sign with the Broncos has been criticised by Cullen, who claims Inglis "betrayed" the Broncos.[39] On 12 November, Inglis signed with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
On 8 November, it was revealed Inglis would most likely sign with the Rabbitohs.[40] Influences for Inglis's shock move to Redfern included Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe, Inglis's close friend Anthony Mundine, Inglis's cousin Beau Champion and billionaire Andrew Forrest. On 12 November, Inglis signed with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 NRL Seasons. The deal was worth $1.8 million. Inglis attended his first training session on 15 November. However, third-party deals totaling $200,000 had to be included within South Sydney's salary cap which placed the Rabbits over the NRL salary cap. The deal was not officially approved by the NRL, the Melbourne Storm or the NRL's auditor, Ian Schubert.[41][42]
By 18 December, no deal had been solidified with the Rabbitohs, putting Inglis's NRL career into doubt. According to reports,[43] Schubert refused to accept the contract signed with the Rabbitohs, leaving Inglis to consider leaving the NRL. Inglis soon met with AFL clubs St. Kilda and Essendon.[43]
On 24 December, it was officially announced that Inglis had signed the contract with the Rabbitohs for three seasons, ironically at the expense of cousin Beau Champion, who signed with Melbourne Storm for the same period of time.[44]
2011
Inglis was named in the Indigenous All-Stars side for the second annual NRL All-Stars game. However, his off-season surgery forced him to miss both the All-Stars game for the second consecutive year, as well as the annual Charity Shield game between Souths and reigning NRL Premiers St. George Illawarra Dragons. Inglis made his Rabbitohs debut on the opening night of the 2011 NRL Season scoring a try in a 29–40 loss to traditional rivals the Sydney Roosters. Inglis picked up his first win as a member of the Rabbitohs in a 32–18 victory of the Parramatta Eels in Round 3.
The Rabbitohs struggled in the early stages of the season, registering just 3 victories in the opening 8 weeks. The Rabbitohs announced the signing of former Storm assistant coach Michael Maguire,[45] who Inglis knows very well, as their coach for 2012 and beyond, but the Rabbitohs had to deal with England international Sam Burgess being ruled out for the season,[46] as well as the news of halfback Chris Sandow signing for the Parramatta Eels for 2012.[47] Also, due to the injury of Rabbitohs captain Roy Asotasi, Inglis became front-runner to assume captaincy of the club,[48] but the job was given to Michael Crocker.
Inglis was selected for the 2011 ANZAC Test, despite his inconsistent form. He was injured in the opening 10 minutes of the game with a hip injury.[49] Australia went on to win 20–10. The injury, however, proved more serious than first thought, and consequently Inglis was ruled out of Game One of the 2011 State of Origin series. He made his return to take on his former club, the Melbourne Storm, in a 16–6 loss. He returned to the Maroons side in a Game II loss to NSW.[50] After some unfamiliar poor form by Inglis in Origin Game II, Inglis scored the first try in a double in the Game III decider victory. The double allowed Inglis to equal the Queensland try-scoring record held by Dale Shearer. Following the Maroons' sixth consecutive series victory, Inglis found form for the Rabbitohs, scoring five tries in his final six games of the season. An ankle injury against the Brisbane Broncossaw Inglis miss the final game of the season.[51] With a place in the top eight up for grabs, the Rabbitohs lost to Newcastle Knights, 24–40, causing the Rabbitohs to finish tenth.
His injury continued to haunt him, ruling him out of Darren Lockyer's final Test on home soil.[52] However, Inglis was ruled eligible to play in the upcoming Four Nations. Inglis scored in each of his appearances in the 2011 Four-Nations, including in the 30–8 Final win over England.
2012
Inglis began the 2012 season with his third selection in the Indigenous All-Stars squad,[53] however, due to injury in 2010 and 2011, it was his first All-Star appearance. Inglis scored a try in a thrilling 28–36 loss to the NRL All-Stars and also suffered an ankle injury.[54]
Due to lack of quality ball, new Rabbitohs coach and former Melbourne assistant Michael Maguire shifted Inglis from the centres to his original position at fullback in the Round 3 game against Penrith. He excelled there, assisting in a high-scoring win. Following his performance, Inglis became the regular fullback for the Rabbitohs. Inglis's abilities at fullback were demonstrated with a game winning field goal against the Wests Tigers and a dominant Round 9 performance against the Cronulla Sharks. Inglis represented Australia in the2012 ANZAC Test, scoring a try.[55]
Inglis played in all State of Origin matches in 2012. In Game I, he became the greatest try scorer in Origin history by scoring his 13th try for Queensland, albeit a controversial one.[56] He was once again a crucial factor to Queensland winning an incredible seventh series in a row, even playing fullback in Game III due to an injury to Billy Slater.[57]
After only one Finals appearance since 1989, the Rabbitohs enjoyed a strong season, led by Inglis and the likes of David Taylor, Sam Burgess, Isaac Luke and rookie halfbackAdam Reynolds, as well as the coaching of Michael Maguire. They finished 3rd on the ladder, their most successful season since re-joining the NRL in 2002. In their first finals game since 2007, and Inglis's first finals game since 2009, the Rabbitohs clashed with Inglis's former Melbourne Storm club. The Rabbitohs were easily beaten 24–6 by the experienced Storm.[58] Facing elimination in the semi-finals, they comfortably defeated the Canberra Raiders 38–16,[59] before losing the preliminary final against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
2013
Inglis played for Australia at centre and scored a try in the 2013 ANZAC Test victory against New Zealand. Inglis played at centre in all three games, and scored a try in Game II of, the 2013 State of Origin series, in which Queensland extended their record for consecutive series victories to eight.
Inglis also continued his dominance in the fullback role for South Sydney, scoring 14 tries for the season. At the 2013 Dally M Awards he received the Provan-Summons Medal and was named at fullback in the premiership's team of the year.
In the post-season Inglis played for Australia in their successful 2013 World Cup campaign. He won the RLIF International Fullback of the Year and was also short listed along side Sonny Bill Williams and Danny Brough for the RLIF International Player of the Year.[60]
2014
In 2014 Inglis continued playing strongly at club level in the fullback position but was selected for both the 2014 ANZAC Test and the 2014 State of Origin series in his old position of centre.
Personal life
In October 2005, Inglis began a relationship with Sally Robinson. The couple split in December 2008, and Inglis began a publicised relationship with Charmyne Palavi.[61] The affair ended later that month. Inglis and Robinson reunited in March 2009. In August 2009, Inglis was arrested for causing reckless assault towards Robinson. Robinson moved back to Brisbane. Inglis and Robinson reunited a second time in October 2009, amidst Inglis's assault charges. In April 2010, the case ended with Inglis accepting a diversion order, avoiding an assault conviction. In June 2010, Inglis announced his engagement to Robinson.[62] Inglis and Robinson married on 5 December 2010 at the Twin Waters Resort in Maroochydore.[63]
Greg Inglis clothing
In July 2012[64] in hopes of emulating other sporting icons Greg Inglis released his own range of clothing with the initials GI and a silhouette of "Greg" fending of the opposition similar in style to Air Jordan the iconic silhouette used for the Michael Jordan brand of clothing.[65]
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