Greg Inglis can overcome ‘long odds’ after shock Warrington switch
GREG Inglis is a man used to long odds. You would have got a hell of a price if you had wagered him to come out of retirement to join Warrington. But Inglis, who called his NRL career a day through non-physical reasons, is used to defying the doubters. So do not be surprised if […]
GREG Inglis is a man used to long odds.
You would have got a hell of a price if you had wagered him to come out of retirement to join Warrington.
But Inglis, who called his NRL career a day through non-physical reasons, is used to defying the doubters.
So do not be surprised if he trots out for his Wolves debut against Castleford on Sunday.
Inglis is a rugby league icon for what he achieved in Australia.
Three NRL titles, 10 State of Origin wins, 31 tries in 39 Australia caps and a World Cup win speak for themselves.
Just as worthy of recognition is how he has tackled what was the unspoken, his mental health problems.
Like opponents, Inglis does not hide away from his demons and after a chat with pal and former South Sydney Rabbitohs team-mate Jason Clark led to the shock switch, he is already looking to tackle the issue in the UK.
The 33-year-old, who runs The Goanna Foundation Down Under, said: “I’m proud of my journey and my personal development. Before, I was a closed book and I wouldn’t talk about my emotions.
“Now I want to start conversations about breaking down the stigma of mental health and tell people it’s okay to talk about it.
“It’s about going back and sharing my life story.”
Inglis’ adjustment to full-time training after being out of the game since April 2019 has hurt.
Warrington boss Steve Price admits he will be ‘long odds’ to play on Sunday as he, ‘needs more volume in his legs.’
But give him a challenge and he will not back down, so do not be surprised to see the centre face Cas.
The task of adjusting to life in Cheshire after being in New South Wales is also being grasped by the superstar and partner Alyse Caccamo.
He added, with typical modesty: “We ask each other at least once a week if we’ve done the right thing and the answer is always yes.
“I had a conversation with Clarky, before I knew it I was travelling 24 hours to be on the other side of the world to play rugby league.
“I was helping coach the Under-16s and Under-18s at South Sydney when the pandemic hit and the junior competitions got cancelled.
“At first, I laughed and joked with him about coming playing for one more year with him. Two months later, I was signing my contract.
“We look at the bigger picture, even when there was snow on the floor, it was freezing and it was going dark in the afternoon. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come here and play.
“It can be rainy and miserable at times but we’re enjoying it, you can’t control the weather!
“Alyce has got into horses over here, which is very similar to back home, and I get to do what I’m doing. Lets ride this wave and look forward to the end result.
“But to be honest it wasn’t that big of a decision. It was more a case of packing everything up and coming over.
“I’m gradually building into the training. It was definitely a shock to the system but I’m glad I’m doing it. I feel a lot fitter and better within myself. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t say no to.
“You can train all you like but, until you get that 80 minute performance, on game day especially, you just never know how you’re going to handle it.
“I’ll allow myself that little bit of leeway. If I can get to round three at 100 per cent, ‘’ll be stoked. If it takes until round six, it takes until round six.
“I’m not putting pressure on myself and neither is the club or coaching staff, you’ve got to keep in mind I have been out of the game for two years. It’s small steps.”