Greg Inglis walks tall amongst his peers, but it was with his trademark goanna crawl that the South Sydney superstar moved closer to future status as an NRL immortal.
Inglis won two grand finals with the Melbourne Storm, but there were conditions that went with those victories in 2007 and 2009.
As brilliant as he was, Inglis collected those trophies as part of the big four – with Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk forming the core of one of history’s strongest teams.
But above all history proves that team was too good to be true, Melbourne officially robbed of those premierships by the NRL for systematically rorting the salary cap.
As a result, Inglis – along with the speed boat he was allegedly given illegally by the Storm – was forced out of the Storm.
Inglis looked certain to sign with Brisbane, but a last-minute drama led him to South Sydney.
As a club proud of its indigenous heritage in the heart of Redfern, it was the perfect fit and perhaps undoubtedly the Rabbitohs’ greatest-ever signing.
Inglis was given the fullback jersey and over the past four years, the 27-year-old has gone to another level as a footballer.
His rise as an all-time champion for Queensland, Australia and of two NRL clubs has Inglis in line for the game’s highest individual honour – immortality.
And Inglis could still have the best part of a decade until he retires.
On Sunday, Inglis wrote another chapter into his legacy by scoring the final try in South Sydney’s 30-6 grand final win over Canterbury which broke a 43-year premiership drought.
Smith, Slater and Cronk won their first legitimate premiership in 2012.
Now Inglis has one as well.
In spectacular fashion, Inglis sprinted away for the 80th-minute try which sent the 83,833 record crowd at ANZ Stadium into raptures.
He completed the celebration with his crawl towards the cameras, with tongue wagging.
The goanna has come out on almost a weekly basis this year, as Inglis dominated like never before.
He missed out on a second Clive Churchill medal, but this premiership truly belongs to the man they call GI.
Daniel Timms
Guest
GI..... he will be the greatest rugby league player in history the greatest ever fullback and centre the game as ever seen.
Noel
Guest
You people like to keep raking up this muck because it may sell a few more papers , and although you believe that the action of the league was wrong , you keep on raking up the muck, because it may atttract a bit more atteneion to this site . Camron Smith couldn't get a run with the Broncos , as he dearly wanted , Billy Slater was approached by bennet but was told he would have to spend a few seasons in lower grades , Billy declined , and went to the Storm . Melborne didn't go out and buy Stars they created them and were penalised for doing it . Bury the Muck and restore the premierships to the Storm , where they rightfully should be .
dubblebubble
Guest
The term Immortal is bandied about so often these days. As for Inglis he has been patchy this season as well as last. In the GF he made an impressive break in the first half but didn't do a hell of a lot else. He has an awful long way to go if he is to considered an immortal.
Ken
Guest
Agreed on Inglis, as the youngest and probably most talented of the 'Big 4', he has the biggest opportunity to ensure that his legacy requires no footnotes. He took a big step towards that last night. It wasn't even close to a record crowd though, the '99 Grand Final had about 25 000 more people, which of course won't be beaten in any current stadium configurations in the country.
MAX
Guest
Congratulations to Souths and especially to Sam Burgess whose contribution over the season culminated in a superhuman effort last night. Sam earned his immortality in Rugby League. His contribution during his seasons at Souths far exceeded that of GI, a champion past.
Patrick D
Guest
Nice article. It was moving to see how much it meant to GI, and how he has embraced the Club and Community. "As a club proud of its indigenous heritage in the heart of Redfern, it was the perfect fit and perhaps undoubtedly the Rabbitohs’ greatest-ever signing." Sorry to be picky, but 'perhaps' and 'undoubtedly' contradict themselves...its one or the other . I agree though, it probably was the Bunnies greatest ever signing, S Burgess must be up there.