Inglis rules himself out of All Stars game

Greg Inglis has ruled himself out of Indigenous team that will take on New Zealand Maori in the Harvey Norman All Stars clash on February 15.

Inglis, who captained the side when they last played in 2017, has acknowledged that he must give his body more time to prepare for his 15th season in the NRL.

The 31-year-old's decision follows Thursday's news that Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had withdrawn from the Maori side as he continues to recover from the knee surgery he underwent in December.

"It's disappointing that I won't be able to play All Stars but I need to manage the body ahead of the season," Inglis said.

"I haven't been able to train much and I wouldn't want to go into a game of that importance and intensity underdone."

Despite not being able to run onto AAMI Park on February 15, Inglis said the match will be a great spectacle for both the game of rugby league and the respective cultures.

"I'm sure there will be a great crowd down in Melbourne. From my time in Melbourne I know there will be a lot of support for the Maori team and I think it will be an amazing spectacle and an important occasion as always," Inglis said.

"I'm sure [Indigenous coach] Laurie [Daley] will have a fantastic team of proud individuals and I can't wait to see them play.

"It will be great as always to see the Aboriginal community get behind the team through the week and cheer them home on the night."

Earlier this month, Inglis announced that he would retire from the NRL at the end of the 2020 season. This year will be his last on the representative scene.

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