Australia, Queensland and Rugby League legend Greg Inglis has called time on his career at the age of 32.
Inglis played 39 Tests, 32 origins and won a Premiership with his last club, South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2014.
The fullback/centre had been hampered by both shoulder and knee injuries in recent years and played just two games in 2019 before announcing his retirement.
However, Inglis says his decision to retire is not down to his injuries.
“I just think it’s time and I think it’s the right decision for myself. I’ve come to terms with it,” he said at a media conference at the club’s Redfern base.
“There has been a lot of speculation but as of today it’s official. There are no regrets.
“My teammates are here. They didn’t have to come today but that shows the care of the club.
“This club has given me everything, every opportunity. And my former club Melbourne Storm gave me my opportunity.”
Inglis was insistent that he alone had made the call to hang up the boots.
“It’s not due to mental health or injuries, I just think it’s the right time for me. I’ve been contemplating it for a while now and I’ve come to terms with it.
“My dad was a legend to me and he still is and unbeknown to me he jumped on a train and turned up here this morning to be with me.
“I didn’t think it was real so I punched him in the chest and he cried.
“That’s me calling time on my career. No one else has called it.
“I’m happy with my decision. I get to work with the club and stay around Redfern and work with the boys and the community.”
Inglis will return to work in only a few weeks. He will a wide-ranging role at Redfern that the club hopes will set him up for a long post-playing career in the sport.
“The most important thing is that my career off the field is starting now,” Inglis told the gathering of media, club members and teammates.
“I get to look forward to that and get to work with the boys, work with the club, help the community out, do what I can with the team.”
