NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has today paid tribute to Greg Inglis, who has announced his immediate retirement.
Mr Greenberg said the South Sydney Captain, Queensland and Australian representative will end his career enormously respected as one of the leading figures in the sport.
“Greg’s decision today may end his time on the field but it will certainly not finish the important work he will be able to achieve in the game,” Mr Greenberg said.
“While obviously we will remember some of his incredible achievements on the field, it is clear Greg will have a lasting impact off the field.
“His work as an Indigenous mentor and his status as an ambassador for the game and a role model will continue.
“He should be enormously proud of his achievements.”
Inglis will retire having played 263 NRL Matches, 39 Test matches for Australia and 32 State of Origins for Queensland. He also represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2012, 2013 and from 2015-17.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said Inglis’s impact on the game would be ongoing.
“We all understand what a great player he has been, and what a great ambassador he is,” Mr Meninga said. “But I’m very proud of the way he’s carried himself over the course of his life.
“I’ve known Greg since he was 18. I love the person so much more than the player.
“He’s developed an aura – when he walks into a room, people feel comfortable that he’s on their side, and he makes other people around him better.
“He has obviously been a mentor for Indigenous people but he has been and will be a mentor for all Australians.
“He will still make a difference to a lot of people’s lives. That’s a lasting influence.”
