Greg Inglis suspended for Kangaroos Tests, Boyd Cordner named captain

Boyd Cordner is the new Kangaroos captain, Greg Inglis stood down after being charged with drink driving and speeding.

Greg Inglis has been stood down for two international matches, suspended for Australia’s Tests against New Zealand and Tonga later this month and replaced by Boyd Cordner as captain.

Inglis was charged with drink driving and speeding hours after being named the new Kangaroos captain, and will now sit out the season-ending Tests.

Coach Mal Meninga and NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the decision came with a view to upholding the team’s values.

Inglis accepted the punishment.

“I know I did the wrong thing and, while I am disappointed at missing the tour, I accept the penalty,” he said.

Meninga said Inglis would be available for selection again next year.

Boyd Cordner has been named as the new Kangaroos captain. Picture: AAP

“I hope to see him back in a Kangaroos jersey next year,” he said.

“Greg has been an integral part of the team for many years and I expect him to be back.”

With Inglis ruled out, Dane Gagai has been added to the side and Cordner named captain.

The move caps a stellar year for the 26-year-old, who lifted the Origin shield with NSW and captained the Roosters to the NRL premiership.

“Both Boyd and Greg were strong candidates for the captaincy so clearly Boyd was next in line,” Meninga said.

“Boyd has had exceptional success as a leader this season.”

While Inglis should return to the fold, a decision regarding the captaincy will be made before the first Kangaroos Test next year.

Earlier, an apologetic Inglis said he would leave it to Meninga and the NRL to decide whether he remains Kangaroos captain.

“With the Australian captaincy we’ll just wait and see with the NRL,” Inglis said.

“It’s out of my hands now but it’s something I would really love to still be the Australian captain.

“Obviously we have standards there. I was in the meetings when we addressed those standards in the group a couple of years ago.

Greg Inglis speaks to the media at Redfern Oval. Picture: Brett Costello

“It’s disappointing from my end.”

Inglis said he’d been told he would retain the Rabbitohs captaincy.

The 31-year-old had been driving home from the Koori Knockout tournament in Dubbo when he was pulled over in Lithgow, after being clocked speeding and returning a positive blood alcohol test.

“I’m sincerely apologetic,” he said.

“I know where I stand in the game as a role model to the community and what I have been charged with is unacceptable on my behalf.

“I have the full support of the team (Rabbitohs) behind me and we’ll just move forward from here.”

Australian Kangaroos squad: Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Daly Cherry-Evans, Damien Cook, Boyd Cordner (c), Tyson Frizell, Dane Gagai, Valentine Holmes, Ben Hunt, Felise Kaufusi, David Klemmer, Josh McGuire, Jordan McLean, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Munster, Tyrone Peachey, James Tedesco, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Aaron Woods.

With AAP