FORMER NRL superstar Greg Inglis has joined the Macksville Sea Eagles to play for his childhood club in the 2022 Group 2 competition.

Inglis played for Australia and Queensland as an outside back and spent five years at the Melbourne Storm where he won two grand finals, a Clive Churchill Medal and in November 2009 the Golden Boot Award as the world’s best player.

Inglis went on to play for the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2011 to 2019 where he won a premiership in 2014.

Last year Inglis played for the Warrington Wolves in the UK Superleague before making the decision to return back to his grass roots.

The arrival of the high profile star is not only a big boost for Macksville but also a coup for the Group 2 competition and the players.

Coffs Harbour Comets front rower Miles Fairbank is relishing the prospect of playing against a legend of the game.

“It’s good to see him join the competition, it will only make it stronger, hopefully it will attract a few quality players into the comp.

“I guess plenty of others are relishing the chance to play against one of the best players to have played in the NRL.

“There is quite the buzz locally with Inglis and Burgess both being involved with Group 2, hopefully plenty of people will come out and watch the games.

“So next season has the promise to be the strongest Group 2 has been for a fair few years,” said Miles.

Coffs Harbour Comets flying winger Billy Griffiths said it’s a great opportunity for the younger players.

“As a local footy fan I think it’s great for the competition.

“From the short amount of time it has been announced you can already see the excitement in Coffs Harbour through social media.

“I imagine it will bring back plenty of spectators after a long couple of years dealing with covid restrictions.

“With Sam Burgess now joining the likes of Brandon Costin and Clint Greenshields in a coaching position, it’s a great opportunity for the younger players to soak up the knowledge on offer if they aspire to play in the NRL.

“As a player, the whole reason you pull the boots on is to test yourself against the best and there isn’t much better than Greg Inglis.

“I’ll be turning up with my A-game when I line up against him, that’s for sure,” said Billy.

Macksville Sea Eagles Club President Dean Hillery is delighted Inglis made the decision to return home.

“We are absolutely delighted to see Greg return to his hometown and the club where he grew up playing rugby league.

“The Sea Eagles are like a big family, nearly all of the players are from the town and grew up playing junior rugby together at Macksville or Bowraville and now stand together in first grade competing in Group 2,” said Dean.

“It’s a coincidence, but Greg used to play with our first team coach Matt Hyland at the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

“Matt is one of the most awesome things that has happened to this club and we have been really blessed to have him the last few years.

“The fact they already know each other will further help the camaraderie at this fantastic football club.

“Matt Hyland has also taken on the captain coach position for the 2022 season, Matt is excited about the season to come and play side by side with Greg once again.

“Greg is proud to once again play for the club as his father did back when he was growing up in the Nambucca Valley, it means a lot to him and his family to be playing for Macksville once again.

“Group 2 used to be a really strong comp but it has had a tough time over the last few seasons, it’s great news for the comp, a lot of players will want to play with Greg and also against him.”

“2022 is looking like a great season, with the likes of Clint Greenshields at Sawtell, Sam Burgess at Orara and Greg Inglis and Matt Hyland at Macksville Sea Eagles it’s going to be great for the game, exciting times ahead,” said Dean.

 

By David WIGLEY