Gregory Paul Inglis, widely revered as 'GI', was born on 15 January 1987 in Kempsey, NSW, and proudly represents his Dunghutti indigenous heritage. Standing at an impressive 195cm and weighing 105kg, his powerful running and exceptional athleticism made him a formidable opponent in Rugby League, terrorising defences whether playing as centre or fullback.
Beginning his career with the Bowraville Tigers, Inglis' potential was soon recognised by the Melbourne Storm, where he signed in 2005 and remained until 2010. During his tenure, he played 117 first grade matches, scoring 78 tries, notching up 11 hat-tricks, showcasing his exceptional scoring capability. His performance at Melbourne paved the way for his next chapter with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, where he became a legendary figure. The transition to South Sydney came after Shane Richardson received a pivotal phone call on Christmas Eve from NRL chief David Gallop, clearing Inglis to sign. Richardson famously declared the signing would bring the club its 21st premiership - a prophecy fulfilled in 2014 as Inglis helped lead the team to its first premiership in 43 years.
From 2011 until his retirement in 2019, Inglis adorned the Rabbitohs jersey, playing 146 first grade games and scoring 71 tries. His leadership shone brightly as he captained the team in 67 NRL premiership games, including a memorable 39-0 victory over St Helens in the 2015 World Club Challenge.
Two of Inglis’ tries from the Rabbitohs' 2014 premiership season are particularly iconic. On ANZAC Day, against Brisbane in round 8 at Suncorp Stadium, he picked up a grubber kick from Brisbane near our 20-metre line, and started his run to the far left corner, beating player after player with swerve, pace, and power. Then there was the 30-6 grand final triumph against Canterbury-Bankstown. With full time nearing, Luke Keary put him through a gap near halfway, and he motored towards the left hand corner to score, doing his trademark goanna crawl in celebration. Rabbitohs players piled on top of one another in scenes of delirious joy. The iconic scene of Inglis performing his signature goanna crawl after scoring the decisive try in the Grand Final against the Bulldogs has become a legendary moment in Rugby League history. GI was then elevated to the captain of the South Sydney Rabbitohs post-2014.
Beyond his club responsibilities, GI also led the Indigenous All Stars in four matches between 2012 and 2016 and captained the Prime Minister’s XIII in 2016. Not to mention, his extensive tenure from 2006 to 2018 as a Queensland representative in State of Origin which saw him make 32 appearances, scoring 18 tries. His dominance on the international stage was equally impressive, donning the Australian jersey in 39 Tests and amassing 31 tries. His final season wearing the Maroons colours in 2018 marked the end of a significant chapter, yet his influence remains indelible. GI retired as Queensland's top try scorer, a testament to his scoring ability and critical role in securing ten State of Origin series victories across an eleven year dominance from 2006 to 2016. This enduring impact underscores not just his skill but his substantial contribution to Rugby League’s rich history. Among his numerous accolades, Inglis was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal in 2007 and the prestigious Golden Boot in 2009 as the world's best player. His enduring influence and leadership in the sport were recognised when he was inducted as a Life Member of the South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club in 2020.
Greg Inglis' legacy transcends his physical prowess. He is celebrated not only for his explosive runs and tactical acumen but also as a leader and role model, ensuring his status as a legendary figure in the annals of Rugby League.
