Fittler: ‘One of the great regrets is not watching Inglis play for NSW’

Greg Inglis received praise from almost every quarter of the game on Monday, but it was NSW coach Brad Fittler who paid the retiring star the ultimate compliment.

• Tribute: We will never see another GI

• Kent: Inglis leaves his burdens behind

NSW coach Brad Fittler still wishes he’d had the chance to coach Greg Inglis at NSW as the retiring South Sydney superstar steps away from the sport.

Inglis received praise from almost every quarter of the game on Monday, after he confirmed he’d played his last game at a professional level.

For all his achievements at club level for Melbourne and South Sydney, Inglis was just as damaging in representative football.

He debuted for the Maroons in the first year of their dynasty in 2006 and scored a record 18 tries in 32 games, while he crossed for 31 tries in 39 Tests for Australia.

Greg Inglis with Brad Fittler after the Blues won the 2018 series. Picture: AAP

But born in northern NSW before playing his first senior game in Queensland, Fittler wished he had the chance to set the same marks in blue.

“One of the great regrets is not watching him play for NSW, he’s been such a brilliant player,” Fittler told NSWRL.

“He’s on everyone’s highlights reel and I think we’re all better off for watching him play.” “He was unique, he was the first one of his kind. Just the fact that he was 6 foot 3, 110kg, as fast as anyone on the footy field, could sidestep, could do it all so he was a prototype.” Meanwhile Inglis’ retirement confirmed NSW skipper Boyd Cordner would stay as Kangaroos Test captain when Australia next play at the end of the year.

Cordner took over the captaincy of the Kangaroos at the end of last season when Greg Inglis was suspended, however it was unclear what direction coach Mal Meninga would go in come October.

Cordner hadn’t considered that when he fronted the media at Sydney Roosters training on Monday afternoon, but wished he’d had the chance to play with him again.

“It would have been good to play one more game for him but I’m very happy he has decided his future now,” Cordner said.

“He’s a guy that you see beside you and you are that much more confident you are going to win the game because he is playing in your team.

“Not only that, with being an opposition as well he definitely brings the best out of you too because you know he is on the other side or you are marking up against him.”

Greg Inglis and Brad Fittler shake hands. Picture: Adam Head