NRL great Greg Inglis has entered a rehabilitation centre as he struggles to cope with life after rugby league.
The Rabbitohs on Friday confirmed South Sydney’s 2014 premiership-winning captain had entered a facility to undergo treatment to assist and support his mental health.
“On behalf of Greg and his family, we ask the media and the public to respect their privacy,” a statement from the Rabbitohs said.
The 32-year-old former State of Origin and Test superstar played only two games this season before being forced into retirement by persistent injuries.
He took up a wide-ranging role with Souths, helping the team as an assistant coach and also working with the club’s commercial division and charity arm Souths Cares.
But missing out on the weekly grind of an NRL season alongside his teammates has reportedly hit Inglis hard.
Souths coach Wayne Bennett, a strong supporter of Inglis’s decision to hang up the boots, and the retired skipper’s ex-teammates are rallying around the troubled star.
“The best thing I say about Greg is that he’s getting the support that he needs,” Bennett said.
“So that’s as much as I want to talk about it, elaborate on it. But that’s the situation.”
The Roar encourages all readers who may be suffering from mental illness to seek support from organisations such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue or Headspace.
Ralph Malph
Roar Rookie
Perhaps pappi smurf could join him
Insider
Roar Rookie
BA a sharp decline indeed,
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Obviously hope he gets the help he needs for all of his ailments and vices and comes out the other end feeling clear of mind. Certainly not a mental health expert. To have got to the point where he requires rehab a month after retiring is either a very steep and concerning fall or he had some ongoing battles prior to "retiring".
jeznez
Roar Guru
So glad he's getting help, he brought joy to so many (even us suffering Blues fans). I wish him well and hope he realises how many people are in his corner cheering him on in this next battle. Agree with Jimmy, hope he finds peace and contentment - he's certainly got a lot to be proud of with all he acheived.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Of all the great ones who have retired in my time watching league GI is the person I have been most concerned about post football. He has always seemed that little bit fragile and obviously has had some serious issues even in his playing days. I wish him all the best and may he find some peace and contentment in his life after footy. He deserves it.
Aiden
Guest
Hope he gets better, all the best to him, an absolute champion and a nice person.