Inglis tipped to hit new NRL peaks in 2013

His move to fullback sent shockwaves through the NRL last season, but South Sydney coach Michael Maguire predicts Greg Inglis will lift to a whole new level in 2013.

Maguire’s decision to switch Inglis to fullback in round three against Penrith proved the catalyst for the Rabbitohs’ impressive finals run which ended just 80 minutes short of a dream grand final appearance.

Inglis arrived at Wednesday’s Charity Shield launch, promoting their annual pre-season match against St George Illawarra, looking in peak physical condition.

It’s just one part of Inglis’ off-season designed to continue his development as one of the game’s premier No.1s – a warning that should concern his rivals.

In the modern game, the fullback role has become truly specialised, with the finest exponents expected to be playmakers, tryscorers, defensive geniuses and one-man bomb-defusal units – among other roles.

But Maguire has been blown away by the 26-year-old’s application to training this off-season, saying it highlighted his new-found leadership role at the club.

“He’s really focused about what he wants to achieve in the game,” Maguire told AAP.

“He took really big strides forward last season and I think he just wants to continue that on.

“It’s a credit to himself how he looks after himself and the way he’s training (and) the way he’s maturing now and becoming more of a leader amongst the group.

“It’s great to see his development.”

And Maguire warned that more should be expected of the 105kg powerhouse after a season developing in the custodial role – his first since 2006.

“I think if you talk to Greggy, he’d probably say there’s a lot more he can give as a fullback,” Maguire added.

“I think throughout the season, he was probably thrown in there and he hadn’t played fullback for quite some time.

“The roles (of a fullback) have changed and the expectations of fullbacks and how hard they actually work has lifted.

“Greg probably found that throughout the season but this pre-season he’s given himself some time to go away and work on certain areas of his game.

“We’re obviously looking forward to seeing how they’re brought in through the season.

“… The workrate of a fullback has lifted through the roof, I think, as the game’s progressed.

“He understands that now and that’s the reason he’s looking the way he is. He understands what’s expected of that position.”

Inglis said he was putting in work to improve himself positionally on the field.

“That’s one aspect I’ve been working on and that’s definitely one of the things that I’ve been working with the coaches on,” Inglis said.

“… Physically I feel fine, the pre-season’s and all the other clubs are probably going through the same thing.

“It’s just one of those generations now where you’ve just got to keep pushing through and make sure your in tip-top physical shape for the start of the season.”