Queensland coach Kevin Walters says Greg Inglis’ drink driving charge won’t affect Maroons captaincy

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters believes the NRL got Greg Inglis’s punishment right — but said the South Sydney star will retain the Maroons captaincy and learn from his mistake.

Inglis faces the media on Tuesday morning. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

GREG Inglis’ hold on the Queensland captaincy is not endangered by his two-Test ban by the NRL because of his drink-driving charge.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters said he and QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher had agreed that his suspension from the Australian side this month and loss of the captaincy was sufficient penalty.

Inglis, who was charged by NSW police on Monday when he returned a .085 blood alcohol reading after pulled over at Lithgow, captained Queensland in the first two Origin matches this year before injury ruled him out of the final match of the series.

LIVE COVERAGE: GI axed for two games

BUZZ: Inglis can’t be captain now

Inglis faces the media on Tuesday morning. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

“We support what the NRL have done but it won’t affect what we do with Greg next year for the Origin series,’’ Walters told couriermail.com.au.

“Greg will be the Queensland captain, touch wood. He did a great job for us this year and we know he’s a very strong leader.

“I spoke to Bruce this morning and we were of the same opinion. We are disappointed with Greg’s actions, certainly. Fortunately no one was hurt.

“Greg knows he made a serious mistake and he’s owned that mistake and get on with things next year.’’

GI was hailed for his leadership in State of Origin. (Adam Head)

Asked if he hoped the public would accept that two-Test ban and loss of the Australian captaincy would be sufficient penalty for Inglis, Walters said “I’d hope so. It’s not an easy one because it’s a serious offence.

“He said he shouldn’t have put himself in that position and I’m sure he will do everything to make sure it doesn’t happen again.’’

Inglis was named on Monday as Australian captain for the first Test after the retirement of Cameron Smith, but under the suspension announced this afternoon will play in neither Test this month against New Zealand and Tonga.

Get ready for cricket like never before. FREE Sport HD + Entertainment until the first 4K cricket ball as part of 3 months free on a 12 month plan. SIGN UP TODAY. T&Cs apply.