QRL and Walters congratulate Maroons champion Inglis

The Queensland Rugby League wish to congratulate Greg Inglis on his stunning achievements in the game following confirmation of his retirement from the NRL today.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters has led the applause from Queensland, describing Inglis as a rare talent with similar qualities to rugby league Immortal Mal Meninga.

“Just his presence on the field is what separates him from many others,” Walters said.

“To see him come through has been an amazing experience … he started on the wing and played some centre and fullback.

“He was one of the guys, a bit like Mal, who was just a very imposing person on the field.”

Walters said Inglis was a genuine match-winner who could turn a game with a touch of brilliance.

“I just think the quality of his performances for Queensland is something that stands out for me as well,” the Maroons coach said.

“He’s our highest ever try scorer (with 18 – the most by any player in Origin history).

“Not only did he have the presence, but he had a lot of class about what he did.

“And then when he was captain last year, he went to another level again, trying to lift his team.”

With Inglis now unavailable for this year’s Holden State of Origin series, Walters will explore multiple options before announcing a successor. 

“There’s a number of Queensland players who are in leadership roles at various clubs; and we’ll be looking at all of them closely in the upcoming weeks,” he said.

Inglis, who played 32 Origin matches for Queensland after making his debut in 2006, will still have a considerable influence on the current squad when the Maroons prepare for this year’s series.

“He’ll always be part of the Maroons family and we’ll use him in some way throughout the series,” Walters said.

QRL Managing Director Robert Moore confirmed there would be a tribute for Inglis before Game I at Suncorp Stadium on June 5.

“Greg’s on-field achievements are well documented; and there is little doubt he will be remembered as one of Queensland’s finest players at Origin level,” Moore said.

“He has made a strong contribution off the field as well, through his work across many community sectors.

“Replacing a player and person of his calibre is never easy, but we have a lot of faith in the ability of the talent coming through our pathways and programs supported by the QAS.”

Inglis burst onto the rugby league scene as a teenager with the Norths Devils, catching the eye of many good judges with his turn of speed and footballing nous during his 17 games in the state league.

He went on to link with the Melbourne Storm, placing him on the path to greatness in a decorated career that spanned more than 260 games with both the Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Professional career

State of Origin:

• Queensland Maroons, 32 games (2006-2018)
• 18 tries – the most by any player in State of Origin history
• One of only 10 Queenslanders to have received the FOGS Statesman Award (30 or more games)  

International:

• Australia Kangaroos, 39 Test matches (2006-2016)
• 31 tries and 124 points  

NRL:

• Melbourne Storm, 117 games (2005-2010)
• South Sydney Rabbitohs, 146 games (2011-2018)
• Total NRL matches: 263, with 149 tries

Honours and awards:

2007 Clive Churchill Medallist

2008 Indigenous Team of the Century (Centre)

2008 Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year

2008 Dally M Representative Player of the Year

2009 Wally Lewis Medallist

2009 Dally M Representative Player of the Year

2009 Rugby League Four Nations Player of the Tournament

2009 Golden Boot Award Rugby League World International Player of the Year

2013 Dally M Fullback of the Year

2013 Dally M Provan-Summons Medallist

2016 FOGS Statesman Award (30 games)

2018 Named Queensland Maroons captain