Michael Maguire is considering Alex Johnston, Cody Walker for the No. 1 jumper

IT remains to be seen how long the Greg Inglis five-eighth experiment lasts — but his days as South Sydney’s fullback look officially over.

Greg Inglis’ days as Rabbitohs fullback could be over. Picture. Phil Hillyard

IT remains to be seen how long the Greg Inglis five-eighth experiment lasts — but his days as South Sydney’s fullback look officially over.

Ahead of Thursday night’s clash against St George Illawarra, Bunnies coach Michael Maguire is weighing up whether to play Alex Johnston or Cody Walker in the No. 1 jumper.

Whoever misses out will slot on to the wing for the injured Michael Oldfield.

Inglis, who prior to last Friday’s win over Parramatta was the long-serving fullback and once regarded as the world’s best in the position, was not even considered by Maguire as an option to return to the back against the Dragons.

Maguire likes Inglis in the halves, and so does the Souths’ skipper himself.

“There was the rep round, ‘Madge’ (Maguire) rang me up and we caught up before I went to Newcastle (with the Kangaroos), and he ran the (five-eighth) idea by me,’’ Inglis said.

“I was all for it, as long as the team was.

“Obviously you saw the outcome running out with the No. 6 on (on Friday).

“I said after last Friday’s game that I felt comfortable, and what helped was having the boys inside and outside me.’’

Alex Johnston could replace Greg Inglis at fullback on a permanent basis. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Inglis was not sure if he would return to the No. 1 jumper, despite once being regarded as the world’s best in the position.

“I’m not too sure yet, we’ll play around a with this (five-eighth role) for a bit and then weigh up our options and then decide which way is the best to go,’’ Inglis said.

“That’s fine by me, without a doubt. And I think the majority of the boys would put their hand up to play any position. That’s the type of blokes I’ve got around me.’’

Only a few months ago there was debate about Inglis being the Queensland and Kangaroos’ No. 1 ahead of Darius Boyd because of the season-ending injury to Billy Slater.

Against Parramatta on Friday, Inglis finished with six tackle busts, and failed to miss a single tackle. He produced plenty of decent hits, including one on Kenny Edwards that ended the powerhouse forward’s night.

With regular five-eighth Luke Keary coming off the bench and playing the final 25 minutes with plenty of enthusiasm, Inglis was pushed to the centres. That looms as his likely future home should Keary win back his starting spot.

The five-eighth move was applauded by Inglis’ teammates, with Johnston admitting: “He was a freak there and opened the game up for us and did a good job.’’

Meanwhile, when asked about halves partner Adam Reynolds’ Origin hopes for NSW, Inglis said it was up to his little mate to keep producing games like he did against the Eels.

“He had one of his best games of the season, and to stamp his authority, he needs to back that up, like we all do here at Souths,’’ Inglis said.

Originally published as Michael Maguire is considering Alex Johnston, Cody Walker for the No. 1 jumper