Justin Hodges breaks silence on Greg Inglis’ wild weekend

Justin Hodges has described finding Greg Inglis holed up in a Brisbane mansion with former nude model Suzi Taylor before he entered rehab.

Greg Inglis is struggling to adapt to life after footy. Picture: Brett Costello

NRL champion Justin Hodges has expressed relief at good mate Greg Inglis booking himself into a mental health facility after encouraging the fellow Queensland great to seek help.

Hodges was one of the last people in contact with the ex-Maroons skipper before he sought treatment in Sydney, admitting he was concerned when he saw the retired NRL star during Magic Round.

Inglis had travelled from Sydney to Brisbane for the historic round at Suncorp Stadium but the former barnstorming centre reportedly went missing for three days while drinking.

Hodges tracked Inglis down in Brisbane and urged him to seek help for his family’s sake.

“He is someone you love and someone you are so close to ... you could see the hurt in his eyes and he was struggling,” Hodges said.

“It’s hard when you are going through that stage. You don’t really know what it is and he couldn’t understand what was happening to him at the time.

“I’m just glad he’s in rehab and he can get his life together. He’s got two beautiful young kids at home that really need their father and that’s the most important thing.”

The Courier-Mail exclusively reported on the weekend Inglis had shared a wild weekend with former nude model Suzi Taylor at a luxury Brisbane riverside mansion.

The report claims Hodges was unable to convince Inglis to return to Sydney before the Rabbitohs premiership star eventually checked himself into a rehabilitation facility to assist with and support his mental health, according to a South Sydney club media release.

It came after reports several of Inglis’ former NRL star mates went searching for him during his three-day disappearance, but were unable to contact their friend.

More on Greg Inglis. Souths knew they had to act when he went “missing” during Magic Round. He was uncontactable over the weekend. The club was worried about him. Inglis is very fortunate that he has Shane Richardson and Wayne Bennett in his corner. @9NewsSyd

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) May 24, 2019

The report claims reality TV star and ex-Penthouse Pet Taylor invited Inglis back to the residence along with a group of friends after meeting at a hotel in Fortitude Valley on the Thursday night that signalled the start of the NRL’s Magic Round.

She has said previously that she and Inglis are simply friends.

Hodges revealed Inglis is still struggling to cope with his condition more than two weeks later.

Greg Inglis. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Suzi Taylor.

Inglis — the 32-year-old ex-Origin and Test superstar — played only two games this season before being forced into retirement by persistent injuries and has struggled since.

“He’s doing it very tough. Everything hit him at once, his marriage break-up and then his retirement came quickly, quicker than what he expected. It’s a lot of things,” Hodges said of Inglis’ plight.

“He suffers from mental health (concerns). It’s just dealing with those issues properly.

“I’m just glad we got him into a rehab at the right time. You don’t know what could have happened if he was out drinking and all that type of stuff.”

But Hodges — in his first year as a Maroons assistant — is backing Inglis to make a full recovery.

“He’s got some lovely people around him that care for him and want to see him happy and able to enjoy life,” he said.

“I’m keeping in touch with his mum and dad and making sure he comes out on the right side.”

Walters said he is also not worried about Inglis because of the support he has around him.,

The Maroons coach said he’s been unable to reach Inglis recently because the former state captain’s phone has been turned off.

Greg Inglis will never be forgotten by the Queensland State of Origin team.

“Once you make this team, you’re part of this giant family and Greg is part of

this family,” Walters said after declaring the team will be motivated to win for their friend, who is doing it tough.

“We’re feeling for Greg and the troubles he has at the moment.

“This time last year he was our captain and what a leader he was for us.

“We’re feeling for Greg. He’ll be in our hearts and in our minds.”

Walters said he had unsuccessfully tried to reach out to Inglis but was confident South Sydney’s 2014 premiership winning skipper would bounce back.

“I have tried to speak to him but he hasn’t got his phone on. We wish him nothing but a speedy recovery,” he said.

“But I am not worried about him because I know he has got good people around him.

“And Greg is a strong character. He will always be part of this family and we

will always be there for him.”

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.