- Retired from NRL in 2019, soon diagnosed with anxiety, depression and bipolar
Footy legend Greg Inglis needed a sense of purpose after hanging up his boots – and he found it on a motorbike.
Inglis, 39, officially retired in 2021 following a decorated career which included NRL premierships, playing in arguably Queensland’s greatest ever Origin side between 2006 and 2018 as well as 39 Tests for Australia.
After walking away from the NRL in 2019 – a short stint with Warrington in the Super League eventually followed – Inglis was soon diagnosed with anxiety, depression and bipolar II disorder.
Rugby league had always been his outlet, but with that off the table, Inglis eventually found peace on a Harley-Davidson.
He also previously acknowledged he was struggling with his mental health – and reached out to his inner circle.
‘If I didn’t go ask for help, I wouldn’t be here today,’ Inglis told News Corp.
Footy legend Greg Inglis needed a sense of purpose after hanging up his boots – and he eventually found it on a Harley-Davidson motorbike
Inglis retired from the NRL in 2019, and was soon diagnosed with anxiety, depression and bipolar II disorder (pictured, playing for South Sydney)
Inglis launched the Goanna Academy in August 2020 to provide mental health education, support and awareness, particularly for regional and Indigenous communities
‘I didn’t have a proper understanding or proper diagnosis until I finished retirement, and went through my (mental health) struggles. When I was down, or not feeling the best, I always put that down to tiredness. And I really didn’t understand it.
‘That’s the simplest way to put it and luckily enough I had the right people around me who actually pulled me up and said I actually needed help.’
Fast forward to 2026 and if Inglis isn’t working with his highly successful mental health service, The Goanna Academy, you will find him on the road.
Based in Sydney these days, ‘GI’ often rides to venues such as Warrnambool in Victoria, Albury, Bathurst and Tamworth.
He believes it is his best form of life therapy.
Inglis also revealed he has taken a step back from his previous rugby league commitments, which included mentoring boom Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula and being the club’s assistant NRLW coach.
On occasion, you will find Inglis at South Sydney training sessions – as his love for the Rabbitohs – plus the Melbourne Storm – remains.
‘They both have significant meanings,’ Inglis said.
‘Winning the premiership with Souths (in 2014) was a massive achievement… (and) I signed with Melbourne at 14… they have been my family ever since I was a kid.’
