NRL Media Release
Greg Inglis will miss the Kangaroos’ matches against New Zealand and Tonga after being suspended for two games today.
Australian Coach Mal Meninga and NRL CEO Todd Greenberg agreed on the sanction after the Australian captain was charged with drink driving and speeding yesterday.
They said it was important to uphold the principles of the RISE values (Respect, Inspire, Selfless, Excellence), adopted by the Kangaroos.
Inglis, who today apologised for the breach, said he accepted the decision.
“I know I did the wrong thing and, while I am disappointed at missing the tour, I accept the penalty,” he said.
Mr Greenberg said it was a difficult decision to suspend Inglis who had such an exemplary record over a long period of time.
“Greg is not just a great player, he is one of our best role models, but he made a poor decision on this occasion,” he said.
“He deserves full credit for being upfront today by apologising and taking full ownership of his mistake.
“It is a mark of the man that he has accepted responsibility for his actions and I have no doubt he will overcome this setback and retain his status as a true leader in our game.
Mr Meninga said Inglis would be welcomed back into the Kangaroos by his team mates and management.
“I hope to see him back in a Kangaroos jersey next year,” he said.
“Greg has been an integral part of the team for many years and I expect him to be back.”
Mal said the RISE values were important in ensuring players recognised the need to do the right thing on and off the field.
“No one respects those values more than Greg and we look forward to him returning to the team next year.
“Greg was in fact an integral part of the creation of the RISE values.
“As a result he’s accepted the penalty and I think he has shown real leadership by the way he has been accountable for his actions.”
