We want you: Kevvie called but GI won't make Origin comeback
- Author
- Timestamp
Greg Inglis has revealed that former Queensland coach Kevin Walters did speak to him about making a comeback to the Maroons in 2020 as his side was being decimated by injuries.
"There was definitely conversations with Kevvie about it," Inglis told pan66.com at the launch of Ampol taking on naming rights for the 2020 State of Origin series.
"But I told him I'd only had two months of training by myself. To be Origin-ready you need a lot more than that to be physically ready."
Since his Rabbitohs club coach Wayne Bennett has now taken over from Walters, Inglis might be thinking he'd get another telephone call on his Origin availability.
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 1 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
"Even if he did call – and he hasn't – I'd be letting Queensland down in that Origin arena if I went back this year and Wayne knows that," Inglis said.
"You need half-a-season at least to get ready. I haven't been doing any contact so my body is nowhere near Origin hardness or fitness."
Inglis closes door on Origin return
Still after 32 matches and 18 tries for the Maroons since his 2006 debut, no need to guess where Inglis' heart lies.
After all his success as a player, mainly at fullback but with a smattering of wing and centre, Inglis was on the losing end of his last three Origins before his last in 2018. He retired from the NRL in April 2019.
"New players, Wayne's coming back into the arena with Mal (Meninga) alongside so they will just bring that oomph," he said.
"Kevvie did a marvellous job but with injuries and retirements it's going to be a whole new look with the new coaches on board.
I haven't been doing any contact so my body is nowhere new Origin hardness or fitness
Greg Inglis
"In 2018 and 2019 (NSW series wins) we just didn't live up to expectations as players even though they were very close series in those years.
"NSW went through a similar stage during those eight years we kept winning. Players get older or get injures and move on. So things change and come full circle for both states as the next generation comes through.
"But Queensland to win this year."
And as for Bennett's effect on the playing group, Inglis struggles to find the right words.
"I don't know what it is but he just has that aura about him. It's the same with Mal.
"I think it's quite remarkable that those two are teaming up for Queensland. It's quite a formidable combination that I'm not sure too many teams would want to take on."
DCE absorbs lessons from Maroons coaching trio
Inglis next project is the Warrington Wolves coached by former Dragons head coach and assistant to the 2016 premiership-winning Sharks, Steve Price.
"I'll be going over in January – Pricey let me have Christmas here with my family," Inglis said.
"It was just an opportunity I just couldn't pass up – getting to play footy again and in England where I can also travel to parts of the world I've not seen.
"It'll be good for me – change of scenery. But I'm definitely not going there for a holiday.
"Once I lace those boots on I'll be back, ready to go."
