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The imminent code defection of Benji Marshall to rugby certainly has been a talking point this week in union and league circles, and got me thinking: should the ARU make an approach to Greg Inglis?
I know, I know we have been down this road many times however hear me out (or read me) before you lose your marbles.
Inglis at 26 has achieved it all in the NRL and rugby league. While he hasn’t officially won a premiership, the Rabbitohs are on track this season to add an ‘actual’ grand final win to the tally.
Add a possible rugby league World Cup winners medal and he will have won everything league has to offer.
Standing 6’4″ and 110 kg, he is a monster who runs like the wind.
The Wallabies have not had a big, physical centre since Stirling Mortlock. I’m a big fan of Adam Ashley-Cooper however at 29 how many more good years does he have in him.
Tevita Kudriani from the Brumbies is a big lump and could well fill the physical centre role and be the long term answer.
I’m thinking ahead to the 2015 Rugby World Cup. In our group we will face the Lions centre pairing of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies, and England will field fellow Lion and bruising centre Manu Tuilagi.
Sonny Bill Williams will more than likely be back for the All Blacks, whether or not we face them is another matter.
If Inglis was to switch he would likely learn his trade at fullback, however at outside centre he could be unstoppable.
How good would Inglis be running off a wide Quade Cooper/Matt Toomua pass linking up with Jesse Mogg, Israel Folau (assuming he stays) and Henry Speight.
What about the forwards you ask? No point having the best backs if the piggies aren’t performing?
I have confidence that despite the scrum woes, Ewen McKenzie will address this and have the forwards in good shape for 2015.
In regards to ‘GI’, there is the small matter of his lucrative long term deal with the Rabbitohs to contend with.
The ARU would have to seriously pony up for Inglis.
Is this money better off invested in grass roots – most definitely – however with the supposed Lions cash cow perhaps there is enough in the tin to entertain an approach.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.