South Sydney skipper Greg Inglis has called an immediate end to his glittering 15-year NRL career, almost two years before his planned retirement date.
“What a career,” he told reporters at Redfern Oval on Monday.
One of the most decorated players of the 21st century, Inglis has been battling a serious shoulder problem and hasn’t played since round two. He has also battled knee issues.
However, the 32-year-old denied his body was letting him down, nor did any mental health issues contribute to his decision.
“There’s no retirement through mental illness or injuries or that,” Inglis said.
“I just think it’s time and the right decision for myself.
“I’ve been contemplating it for a while now. I’ve come to terms with it.”
Inglis retires with 263 NRL games, playing in five grand finals and winning one premiership with the Rabbitohs in 2014.
He also won two grand finals with the Melbourne in 2007 and 2009, however both titles were stripped due to salary cap cheating by the club.
Inglis played 39 Tests for Australia and 32 State of Origin games.
He said he informed Rabbitohs’ powerbrokers of his decision last Monday but was given the week to return to his hometown of Kempsey and consider his position.
He told his teammates after their game on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, before announcing it, flanked with family and teammates, on Monday.
It is understood Inglis walks away from the final two years of his contract, meaning his salary won’t be included in the club’s cap, with the player foregoing over $1.5m.
The former Queensland and Kangaroos representative will continue to work with the club in a variety of different roles, including in the football department.
“Money doesn’t make you happy. It’s people around you that make you happy. Money doesn’t drive you… I’m not money-driven,” Inglis said.
