Greg Inglis facts for kids
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Personal information
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| Full name | Gregory Paul Inglis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 15 January 1987 Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia |
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| Height | 195 cm (6 ft 5 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 105 kg (231 lb; 16 st 7 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Playing information
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| Position | Centre, Fullback, Five-eighth | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As of 21 May 2021
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Gregory Paul Inglis (born 15 January 1987), often called "G.I.", is a famous retired Indigenous Australian rugby league player. He was known for playing in many positions, like centre, fullback, and five-eighth.
From 2011 to 2019, Greg played in the NRL for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He helped them win the 2014 championship. Before that, he played for the Melbourne Storm, winning two major championships and important awards like the Clive Churchill Medal and the Golden Boot Award.
Greg was a very flexible player, able to play in many different positions on the field. He often played as a winger or centre for the Storm. Sometimes, he would fill in at fullback if other players were injured.
In 2007, he played as a five-eighth. Then, in 2009, he moved back to centre when Brett Finch joined the team. He stayed at centre for the rest of his time with the Storm until 2010.
When playing for Queensland and Australia, Greg mostly played as a centre, fullback, or winger. In 2009, he was named the best rugby league player in the world, winning the Golden Boot Award. He was the third Storm player in a row to win this award.
In 2018, Greg became the captain of the Queensland Maroons team for the State of Origin series. He retired from the NRL in 2019. However, in 2020, he signed with the Warrington Wolves in England for the 2021 season. An injury stopped him from playing many games there.
Contents
Early Life and Junior Career
Greg Inglis was born in Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia. He is an Indigenous Australian from the Dunghutti people. He started playing rugby league when he was very young for the Bowraville Tigers.
He grew up in Macksville with his good friend, Phillip Hughes, who later became a famous Australian cricket player.
When he was 15, Greg signed his first professional contract with the Canberra Raiders. He played his first senior game at 16 for Hunter Sports High School in New South Wales. Later that year, he moved to Brisbane, Queensland and played for Wavell State High School and the Melbourne Storm's junior team, Norths Devils.
In 2004, while still in school, Greg played for the Australian Schoolboys team. People already thought he would be a future NRL star. The Storm added him to their main team roster for the next year.
Professional Playing Career
Starting Out in the NRL (2005-2006)
Greg played his first game for Melbourne in 2005 during a trial match. He scored a try in that game. While playing for Norths Devils, he scored 12 tries in just five games.
In 2005, at 18 years old, Greg made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm. He scored a try in his first game against the Parramatta Eels. He often played fullback when Billy Slater was away, or on the wing.
At the end of 2005, Greg was nominated for Rookie of the Year. In the finals, he scored a winning try against the Brisbane Broncos. The Storm's season ended in the Semi-Finals.
In 2006, Greg continued to play fullback. He was chosen to kick goals for the Storm, but this role later went to Cameron Smith. After scoring 9 tries in 9 games, Greg was picked for the Queensland State of Origin team.
His selection for Queensland caused some talk because he was born in New South Wales. However, the ARL allowed him to play for Queensland. In his first Origin game, Greg scored two tries. He then signed a new contract with the Storm, making him one of the richest young players in rugby league.
The Storm won the Minor Premiership in 2006. They reached the 2006 NRL Grand Final but lost to the Brisbane Broncos. Greg finished the season with 18 tries. He was then chosen for the Australian team for the 2006 Rugby League Tri-Nations. He scored four tries in his first three international games and helped Australia win the Final.
Switching Positions and Grand Final Wins (2007-2009)
In 2007, Greg mostly played as a five-eighth. He was selected for the Queensland State of Origin team again, playing on the wing. He scored 2 tries in Game 1, helping Queensland win. He scored again in Game 2, securing Queensland's second straight Origin series win.
The Storm had a great season, winning their second Minor Premiership. They reached the 2007 NRL Grand Final and beat the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 34–8. Greg scored two tries and won the Clive Churchill Medal as the best player in the Grand Final. Later that year, he scored three tries for Australia in a big win against New Zealand.
In 2008, Greg missed the first two games due to shoulder surgery. He played on the wing for Australia in the Centenary Test against New Zealand, helping set up a memorable try. He played centre for Queensland in the 2008 State of Origin series, helping them win their third series in a row.
Greg stayed loyal to the Storm despite rumours he might leave. He was named Five-eighth of the Year and Representative Player of the Year at the 2008 Dally M Awards. The Storm reached the 2008 NRL Grand Final again but lost to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Greg played 22 matches and scored 17 tries that season. He also scored 6 tries for Australia in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
In 2009, Greg gained some weight but started the season strong. He kicked a game-winning field goal against the St. George Illawarra Dragons. The Storm signed Brett Finch, which moved Greg back to his preferred centre position.
Greg played for Australia in the 2009 Anzac Test, where the Queensland players made up the entire backline. He was picked for Queensland in the 2009 State of Origin series and scored 2 tries in Game 1. Queensland won their fourth consecutive Origin series. Greg won the Wally Lewis Medal as the best player of the series.
The Storm reached their fourth Grand Final in a row in 2009. Greg scored a try and kicked a field goal in the Storm's 23–16 win against the Parramatta Eels. This gave him his second championship. After the season, he played for Australia in the 2009 Four Nations tournament and was named player of the series. He also won the Golden Boot Award for the best player in the world.
Challenges and New Teams (2010-2011)
In 2010, Greg played his 100th NRL match. He scored a personal best 16 points in one game. He continued to play for Queensland, helping them win their fifth straight State of Origin series.
However, in April 2010, it was found that the Storm had broken salary cap rules. They were stripped of their 2007 and 2009 championships. This meant Greg's future at the club was uncertain. Many clubs from different sports wanted to sign him.
In August 2010, Greg agreed to join the Brisbane Broncos. However, the deal fell through due to contract issues. He then considered playing Australian rules football but eventually signed with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in December 2010.
In 2011, Greg made his debut for the Rabbitohs, scoring a try. He was injured early in the season, missing some games. He returned to play for Queensland in State of Origin, scoring two tries in the deciding game, helping them win their sixth series in a row. Greg played 18 matches and scored 8 tries in his first year with the Rabbitohs. He also played for Australia in the 2011 Rugby League Four Nations, scoring in each game and helping them win the final.
Rabbitohs Success and Retirement (2012-2019)
In 2012, Greg played in his first Indigenous All-Stars game, scoring a try. His new coach at the Rabbitohs, Michael Maguire, moved him to fullback. Greg did very well in this position, even kicking a game-winning field goal.
He played for Australia in the 2012 Anzac Test and in all State of Origin matches. In Game 1, he became the highest try-scorer in Origin history. Queensland won their seventh series in a row. The Rabbitohs had a strong season, finishing 3rd. They reached the preliminary final but lost. Greg played 22 matches and scored 12 tries.
In 2013, Greg continued to play well for Australia and Queensland. Queensland won their eighth consecutive Origin series. Greg was named Fullback of the Year at the 2013 Dally M Awards. He also won the George Piggins Medal as the Rabbitohs' best player. He played for Australia in their successful 2013 Rugby League World Cup campaign.
In 2014, Greg played fullback for the Rabbitohs but centre for State of Origin and Australia. He captained the Rabbitohs for the first time in a game. He played his 200th NRL match in the preliminary final, helping the Rabbitohs reach the Grand Final.
On 5 October 2014, Greg played fullback in the 2014 NRL Grand Final against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. He scored the final try and did his famous "Goanna walk" celebration. The Rabbitohs won 30–6, and Greg finally won a valid championship ring. He played 24 matches and scored 13 tries that season.
In 2015, Greg was named captain of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He played for the Indigenous All Stars again, scoring a try. He also played for Australia and Queensland. Queensland had a big win in State of Origin, with Greg scoring two tries. He played his 100th game for the Rabbitohs.
In 2016, Greg captained the Indigenous All Stars team. He played fullback for the Rabbitohs, but also centre and five-eighth at times. He played for Australia and Queensland, helping Queensland win another Origin series. He was named captain of the Prime Minister's XIII team. In October 2016, Greg signed a new contract to stay with the Rabbitohs until 2020.
In 2017, Greg was selected for the Indigenous All Stars team. However, in Round 1 of the NRL season, he suffered a serious knee injury that ended his season.
In 2018, Greg was chosen to be the captain of the Queensland Maroons. He played 19 games and scored 10 tries for the Rabbitohs, helping them finish 3rd.
On 15 April 2019, Greg announced he was retiring from the NRL right away. In August 2019, he was named at centre in the Queensland Maroons Team of the Decade.
Return to Play and Hall of Fame (2020-2024)
On 19 May 2020, it was announced that Greg would come out of retirement to play for the Warrington Wolves in England in 2021. He signed a one-year contract.
In 2021, Greg made his debut for Warrington and scored a try. However, after just three games, he tore his hamstring. He then agreed to stop playing for the club but stayed on to help mentor other players.
In August 2024, the National Rugby League announced that Greg Inglis was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame. He was given Hall of Fame number 125, joining a special group of players.
Personal Life
Greg Inglis is a family man. He married Sally Robinson in December 2010.
His cousins include other rugby league players like Albert Kelly, Beau Champion, and Preston Campbell.
Greg was very close friends with Australian cricket player Phillip Hughes. They grew up playing sports together. Greg was very sad when Phillip passed away.
Greg has spoken about understanding himself better. He said, "When I was feeling great, I would train my best and be good at everything. But when I was feeling down, I would just shut down."
Greg Inglis Clothing
In 2012, Greg Inglis launched his own clothing line. It features his initials "GI" and a picture of him fending off an opponent. This style is similar to the famous Michael Jordan clothing brand.
Awards and Honours
Individual Awards
- 2006 Rugby League International Federation International Newcomer of the Year
- 2007 Clive Churchill Medal winner
- 2008 Indigenous Team of the Century (Centre)
- 2008 Dally M Five-eighth of the Year
- 2008, 2009 Dally M Representative Player of the Year
- 2009 Wally Lewis Medal winner
- 2009 Rugby League Four Nations Player of the Tournament
- 2009 Golden Boot Award (International Player of the Year)
- 2013 Dally M Fullback of the Year
- 2013 Dally M Provan-Summons Medallist
- 2024 National Rugby League Hall of Fame inductee
Team Honours
- 2007 NRL Grand Final Winners (Melbourne Storm)
- 2009 NRL Grand Final Winners (Melbourne Storm)
- 2010 World Club Challenge Winners (Melbourne Storm)
- 2014 NRL Grand Final Winners (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Goanna Celebration
Throughout his career, Greg Inglis was famous for his special try celebration. After scoring a try, he would imitate the 'Goanna', a type of lizard.
Images for kids
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Greg playing for the Melbourne Storm in 2008
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Greg leaving the field after warm-up in 2008
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Greg in action for the Kangaroos in 2009
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Greg training with Johnathan Thurston for Queensland in 2009
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Greg on club duty for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2011
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Greg at the 2012 Dally M Awards
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Greg warming up for Australia in 2016
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Greg at a North Sydney Bears game in 2017
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