New Australia captain Greg Inglis to lead Kangaroos against Kiwis and Tonga

AFTER South Sydney’s finals elimination, Greg Inglis spent the weekend in Dubbo representing Wall Street Warriors in the popular Koori Knockout. In two weeks, he will be Australia’s newest captain.

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FROM Wall Street Warriors to Kangaroos Test captain — all in a day.

South Sydney champion Greg Inglis was named Australia’s newest captain — replacing retired Cam Smith — for the Kangaroos two upcoming Tests in Auckland.

Inglis’ status continues to rise, even at age 31.

Yet rather than sit back after Souths’ elimination from the NRL finals, Inglis has spent the past four days in Dubbo representing Wall Street Warriors in the popular Koori Knockout.

GI turns out for the Wall Street Warriors. (Darkeye Photography)

He was there on Monday morning when told of his latest honour by Test coach Mal Meninga, who announced a 19-man squad for Tests against New Zealand (October 13) and Tonga (October 20), both at Mt Smart Stadium.

“He is proud of his indigenous Aboriginality,” Meninga said. “I ask whether I would have done that (play in the Koori Knockout). I probably would have as well.

“He just loves the game. I’m not going to say anything against that. He believes he needs to be part of all that and he’s happy doing that.

“Greg is truly honoured to be named Australian captain and he takes it very, very seriously. He loves putting on a green and gold jersey and believes that the Kangaroos jersey is one of the most precious you can get.

The Kangaroos couldn’t have a more deserving captain. (Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“He will be a tremendous leader for rugby league. Greg has been a great ambassador for the game and (he was appointed) probably just from a seniority point of view. He has been captain of South Sydney for many years.

“He has played 39 Test matches for Australia and will play his 40th when he leads the Kangaroos onto the field against the Kiwis. Greg is one of our greatest-ever players and he deserves the opportunity.”

Inglis is Souths’ first Kangaroos captain since Bob McCarthy in 1973.

Penrith’s Tyrone Peachey, named as a utility player, is also participating in the Koori Knockout, playing for Nanima Common Connection.

In other team news, Meninga:

● Chose four debutants — Peachey, Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook and James Tedesco.

● Guaranteed Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans would be his starting half, Cook the hooker, Tedesco at fullback.

● Selected three players from the premiership-winning Sydney Roosters — Mitchell, Tedesco and Boyd Cordner.

● Picked 12 players from NSW and only seven from Queensland.

Souths teammate Damien Cook will also make his Roos debut. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

This will be the first ever Test match between Australia and Tonga, a Pacific nation which will field a sensational line-up. That match is already a sellout.

The Australian side is transitioning with the recent retirements of Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cam Smith.

“The international world thinks we’re a bit vulnerable at the moment,” Meninga said.

Mitchell — nicknamed The Beast from the East — demanded selection after his robust grand final performance where he overcame Melbourne opponent, Will Chambers, once again.

“He is simply one of the best, form centres of the competition,” Meninga said. “It really is as simple as that.”

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