Greg Inglis knows he is a target on the NRL field, but the victim of four ugly spear tackles this season does not believe any of them have been premeditated.
The South Sydney star also admitted to being stunned by suggestions he needs to change his running style.
Three of the spear tackles occurred a fortnight ago in a spiteful victory over Manly, prompting Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire to suggest his gun fullback was being targeted.
Inglis agreed that he felt like a target on occasions, but said he wasn’t worried to take the field because none of the incidents were intentional.
“I’m not worried whatsoever,” he said at the launch of a rugby league reading program on Tuesday.
“No one is intentionally going out there thinking they’re going to upend someone on their head or anything like that.
“… As soon as you question someone’s thought process about the game, it’s obviously entering dangerous waters.”
Two of the spear tackles involving Inglis led to an eight-week suspension for Manly’s Richie Fa’aoso.
Following that match Manly coach Geoff Toovey suggested Inglis may need to refine his running style to limit the number of dangerous positions he is put in.
There is a school of thought that Inglis’ large upper body and desire to get quick play-the-balls is contributing to him being upended.
Sydney Roosters great Brad Fittler said he didn’t feel Inglis was in the wrong, but believed a change would be in Inglis’ best interests.
“The key is Greg’s the constant factor in a lot of the tackles,” Fittler told AAP.
“I just don’t want to see him get hurt.
“I don’t want to see anyone get hurt like that.
“He’s not doing anything wrong, but it’s up to Greg.”
Inglis said he had not watched any replays of the horrible tackles he’s been subjected to, including a grade four effort which sidelined Canterbury’s Krisnan Inu for five weeks.
But he didn’t need to watch replays to confirm his belief that his running style is fine as it is.
“Everyone’s got their own suggestions,” he said.
“In the end I’m just out there playing my own game and worrying about what I’ve got to do to win the game for South Sydney.
“If I’ve got to change my running style … I don’t know, I’m a bit stunned by that.”
Ben Talintyre
Roar Rookie
Agreed, Inglis won't change his style. He is such a devastating runner of the ball and he would be stupid to change what works
Hoy
Roar Guru
I agree. Not sure why Inglis has to change his style, so that he isn't tipped upside down illegally? As Sideline said, it isn't his running anyway, it is his standing.
Sideline Commentator
Guest
It's not his running style that gets him lifted, it's the way he stands in tackles. He stands with his legs apart so he doesn't get put down and the defenders just grab one of his legs and lift to attempt to put him on his arse and slow the play the ball. He shouldn't change a thing, it's up the the refs. They need to penalise any lifting like that and call held quicker when it looks imminent.
Spiritfree
Guest
You know, I've watched Greg Inglis seriously damage an opposing player in a tackle. He stood grinning. The other player was on the ground, clearly in huge difficulties. He stood there grinning. He had no remorse whatsoever. And now it's poor Greg Inglis. I'm not in favour of any player being targetted, but if you enter into that way of playing, then I guess you have it coming.