With the retirement of one of the most decorated players in NRL, we take a look at five top moments from the Melbourne, Rabbitohs, Queensland and Kangaroos legend, Greg Inglis' career.
The great GI has had a 15 season career, finishing with 263 NRL games, 39 Test matches, 32 Origin appearances and 5 All-Star games.
Looking back on such a stellar journey, filled with highlights, it's difficult to narrow down a "best of the best", so here's a list of favourite moments Inglis had in each representative teams.
5. Centenary Test (2008)
In the 6th minute of the ANZAC Test Match between Australia and New Zealand in 2008, Australia was on the attack.
On the last tackle in the set, Johnathan Thurston put the ball to his boot from the 10-metre line for a JT-special over to the back corner of the try line. Who was the man to zoom in and be there to receive it on the chest? None other than the great GI.
However, an awkward bounce led to him missing the catch and it bounced forward over the dead ball line. With quick thinking from Inglis and the determination that he has, the centre sprung himself over the dead ball line and threw the ball backwards with a no-look pass over his head.
Mark Gasnier was waiting there for what was probably the easiest try of his life, catching it and placing it on the ground.
Australia went on to win 28-12.
4. Origin Game 2 (2008)
There must be something about GI and the 6th-minute mark, because 6 minutes into Game 2 of the 2008 State of Origin — on the 4th tackle — Nate Myles was able to get an offload away at Queensland's 30-metre line. With not much space, Inglis caught the pass and had his sights set on scoring.
With the defence not committing, GI was able to run a few metres and gain some momentum before NSW's Mark Gasnier got to him.
In one clean fluid motion, GI fended Mark Gasnier off, causing him to stumble over, and then fended his Melbourne teammate, Steve Turner to the ground, almost hurdling over the top of him to keep running down the wing.
With only 25 metres left and Brett Stewart to beat, GI had the support of Darius Boyd to his left and Johnathan Thurston to his right. He dummied right and passed to Boyd who ran in for an easy 4 pointer.
Queensland went on to win 30-0 and also cement the series victory with a second win.
Steve Turner never returned in a Blues jersey after that game...
3. Greg Inglis, War Cry Leader (2016/2017)
In 2016 and 2017 we witnessed probably the two most staunch moments of Greg Inglis' career.
Not just as an NRL champion, but as a proud Aboriginal man.
As Captain of the Indigenous All Stars, and probably the most feared player on the side, GI knelt down in the middle of the circle during their pre-game war cry, surrounded by his brothers and as they knelt down, GI stood up.
Staring down the World All Stars team and looking as fearless as ever, ready to represent his people and culture. It will always be his most iconic moment and forever embedded in our memories.
2. Clive Churchill Medalist (2007)
In a 34-8 Grand Final victory against the Manly Sea Eagles, Greg Inglis scored two tries for the Melbourne Storm.
Playing at five/eighth for the game and not his usual centre position, GI still shined brighter than he had in his career so far. With his first try being the typical forceful GI we all know and love, shoving his way through three defenders to get to the try line with that big fend and unstoppable attitude.
But that second try, that's where his speed, strength and skill combined to create a play that let everyone know exactly what GI was capable when the moment came.
Off the back of an offload, GI was shot out of a cannon and began sprinting downfield for a 60-metre try but not before doing one last 'don't argue' fend on the sideline while maintaining his balance, pushing Manly winger Michael Roberts to the ground. Inglis was then named the Clive Churchill medal winner in his second Grand Final.
1. Grand Final Goanna Crawl (2014)
In his fifth Grand Final appearance and third Grand Final win, Greg Inglis was the last man to score a try in the game that saw the South Sydney Rabbitohs break a 44-year premiership drought. In the final minute of the game, Bunnies five/eighth Luke Keary had a line break and created a hole for a speedster to run through.
On the back end of his career, GI proved that he still had gas in the tank, and again, sprinted through the defence untouched and was celebrating from the 20-metre line.
After diving over the line, GI broke out his infamous Goanna celebration crawling towards the camera and getting up as his teammates came to cheer him on.
This is our number one moment from GI, as it's the try celebration that everyone loves to see from him. It was also the last try he ever scored in a Grand Final.
As they say, all good things must come to an end. So we thank GI for 15 great years of footy and wish him all the best with what he has planned for the future.
Honorable Mention
The single bravest man to ever try to take on Greg Inglis...
NITV's Rugby League panel program, Over The Black Dot airs on Tuesdays, 8.30pm on NITV (Ch. 34).
Grayson McCarthy-Grogan is a passionate rugby league fan and NITV Digital Producer. He writes about Sports, Politics and Indigenous Affairs. To follow Grayson or contact with story tips, find him on Twitter
