Greg Inglis reflects on South Sydney's 2014 grand final triumph and his battle with mental illness
RELIEF. Exhaustion. Glory. There is one image from South Sydney’s history making 2014 NRL premiership triumph that Greg Inglis turns to to fuel his belief that the Rabbitohs can do it again.
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THIS is the emotional photograph that drives and inspires the great Greg Inglis.
It is an award-winning frame taken by The Daily Telegraph photographer, Brett Costello, and sits proudly on a wall inside Inglis’ eastern suburbs home.
Inglis actually has two copies — one in colour, the other in black and white.
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It shows a clearly relieved, exhausted and reflective Inglis — head down — in his individual cubicle inside South Sydney’s ANZ Stadium dressing room moments after the club’s famous and history-making 2014 grand final win.
He was already wearing his premiership ring. Inglis looks at the photo most days to draw inspiration.
Having had his 2007 and 2009 titles stripped due to Melbourne’s salary cap rorting, Inglis’ 2014 grand final triumph was extraordinarily special.
“Another premiership is definitely motivating, it motivates everyone. For me personally, I remember winning it in 2014 and having that photo, me with the trophy,” Inglis said.
“I would love to re-live that photo, without a doubt.
“I remember what was going through my head then; what got stripped away from me in ’07 and ’09.
“To cherish that moment, you never know what is going to happen, never know whether it will be the last time you get to hold that trophy, if you ever get to hold it again.
“I got a copy in black and white and in colour at home, it’s terrific. It’s on the wall, I don’t need to pull it out. It’s definitely a memorable one, that’s for sure.
“One day I hope to hold it again. That 10-20 seconds (with the trophy), it was just time for reflection on those ’07 and ’09 premiership which got taken away in the record books anyway.
“That (2014 win) was put down in the books for 2014 for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. I want to lead my team the best way I can lead, through my actions.”
Moments after the photo was taken, athletic golden girl Cathy Freeman came and sat next to Inglis — another epic moment for photographers.
Inglis now wants another photo — this time holding the 2017 premiership winning trophy.
The Queensland and Kangaroos champion looks fit, fresh and pumped for the looming finals series.
He will once again be Souths trump player in Friday night’s massive match against Melbourne at AAMI Park.
“Having the seven weeks off and not rushing back form my thumb injury has really helped,” Inglis said.
Inglis was preparing for a well-drilled, efficient and effective Storm side.
“We just have to sit back and focus on ourselves, prepare the best way we can and turn up in the right frame of mind,” Inglis said.
“Melbourne is a dangerous side. All eight sides are dangerous, it’s final football and it’s a different competition. Anything can happen.”
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