Somewhere, someone owes Greg Inglis $50—a debt that remains unpaid but not forgotten. While the sum is unlikely to impact his finances, it serves as a reminder of a bet that never materialized into a payout. “I still haven’t got it,” Inglis laughs. “My cousin owes me.”
As the curtain falls on another Try July, filled with memorable moments and celebrations, it’s easy to overlook the origins of one of rugby league’s most iconic grand final try celebrations. It all began on a sunny afternoon in Penrith when Inglis, then a dynamic fullback for the Rabbitohs, decided to honor his Indigenous heritage with a unique try celebration. A challenge from his cousin led to the creation of The Goanna.
Inglis was asked about performing a backflip, a move popularized by Anthony Mundine and Nathan Blacklock, or the didgeridoo, famously associated with Wendell Sailor. Instead, he opted for The Goanna, a celebration that showcased his towering and agile frame, gliding across the grass with power and grace. “So, I just did (it) and it worked out perfectly,” Inglis recalls. “It stuck with me then.”
The Iconic Moment
The Goanna celebration became a defining image during South Sydney’s grand final victory against the Bulldogs in 2014. Inglis dashed away to score in the dying minutes, his smile widening with each stride, culminating in the unforgettable Goanna celebration. This moment, alongside Sam Burgess’ heroic performance despite a fractured cheekbone, defined the night.
Inglis’ try was particularly significant given his history against the Bulldogs. Before the grand final, he had gone nine years and 14 games without scoring against Canterbury. Yet, in that decisive moment, history was rewritten.
A Legacy of Talent and Triumph
Among the many Indigenous talents in Australian rugby league, Inglis stands out as one of the most naturally gifted. His career, marked by record-breaking performances and a grand final win with the Rabbitohs, is etched in the annals of the sport. Despite the stripping of titles from his time with the Storm due to salary cap breaches, Inglis’ legacy remains untarnished.
Reflecting on the 2014 victory, Inglis shared his emotions with Jake Duke in a Fox League special. “I know it sounds arrogant, but we had this self-belief nothing is going to beat us (in 2014),” Inglis says. “This is our year.”
“You look back on that footage after the grand final and I’m almost in tears, or about to burst into tears. All that just came back in. Finally, this is mine.” — Greg Inglis
Beyond the Field
Inside Accor Stadium after the grand final, a shirtless and exhausted Inglis was photographed with his head resting on the Provans-Summons trophy. Yet, his most treasured memory from that night was embracing Cathy Freeman in the South Sydney sheds. Freeman, who had inspired the team with a pre-match talk, shared in the Rabbitohs’ historic moment.
Inglis has faced personal challenges, including battles with anxiety, depression, and bipolar II disorder. He has found solace in coaching, working with the Queensland women’s Origin side and the Wests Tigers’ NRLW team. However, his most significant impact has been through his Goanna Academy, promoting mental health awareness.
The “Stick With It” campaign, featuring sports strapping as a symbol of persistence, is Inglis’ latest initiative. “Hopefully I leave a long-lasting legacy and something that my family can be proud of, what I did on the footy field, (but also) inspire the next generation coming through wanting to be the best version of themselves,” Inglis says.
“I guess it goes back to doing what I believe in and staying true to myself.” — Greg Inglis
Inglis’ journey from a rugby league superstar to a mental health advocate underscores the breadth of his legacy. His story is one of triumph, resilience, and an enduring commitment to making a difference beyond the game.
