Greg Inglis signs with Macksville Sea Eagles for 2022 Group 2 Rugby League Season

Inglis first played as a junior for the Bowraville Tigers, then the Macksville Sea Eagles under 18's before crafting a storied rugby league career that saw him play for Australia and win an NRL Premiership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The 34-year-old retired back in April 2019 due to ongoing injuries, which also saw him released from his one year contract with Warrington in the Super League.

His impressive resume aside, President of the Macksville Sea Eagles Dean Hillary says the club is just happy to welcome G.I. back home.

"It's been a goal of Greg's to come back here and play for the team his father did back when he was growing up in the Nambucca Valley," he said.

"We aren't sure how long he intends to stay, but we are happy for him to be involved for as long as he wants.

"Greg has always been a big supporter of our club, and all our members are excited to welcome him home and look forward to seeing him run out onto the paddock in the 2022 season."

Group 2 Rugby League CEO Jim Anderson echoes that sentiment and is more than happy to welcome the Dally M Medal Winner into the competition.

"We couldn't wish for a better Christmas present, " Anderson said.

"Greg was a Bowraville Junior and an under 18 at Macksville, so returning to where he started and giving something back is commendable.

"Group 2 Rugby League appreciates what he is doing for the game, this will boost interest in rugby league and promote the game tremendously.

"Not everyone was able to go see him play in person when he played for Australia and the Rabbitohs, so I think there will be a lot of happy people in the Valley when he runs out onto the paddock in 2022."

Joining Inglis in Group 2 next year will be former Rabbitoh's teammate Sam Burgess, who is set to coach Orara Valley.

Anderson hopes that this will be the start of a new trend among retired professional players.

"I hope others follow Greg's example and give something back when they retire from professional competition, whether that be as a player, coach or another role at a local club," he said.

"We had a great 2021 and a cracker final series planned, but unfortunately, even after we made plan A, B, C and D, COVID-19 restrictions eventually scuttled the season.

"It's a shame; all of our top teams were confident they could win the Grand Final, but on the bright side, next year is shaping up to be even better for Group 2 Rugby League."

The 2022 season start is still months away, but Dean Hillary says the Macksville Sea Eagles are already preparing and are on the lookout for coaching staff.

"This year we were in third place with a lot of injuries, but we were quietly confident the team would be very competitive in the finals series," Hillary said.

"The 2022 season is going to be a big year for us. Matt Hyland has been announced as the senior's captain coach.

"Matt is a humble man with a good rugby league pedigree, and he is looking forward to sharing the field with Greg once again.

"We are also looking for expressions of interest from experienced coaches to fill the roles of reserve grade, under 18's, and ladies league tag for the 2022 season.

"The Macksville Sea Eagles are in an exciting growth period for our local family club and invite anyone interested to apply for these roles."

Send all applications to: macksvillerlfc@outlook.com.

For more, check out their Facebook page: Macksville Sea Eagles Rugby League Club.

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