Greg Inglis, a prominent figure in rugby league, has turned his attention to advocating for mental health awareness among youth in Wagga, Australia. Over the course of two days, he engaged with local children through his initiative, the Goanna Academy, which aims to enhance mental health education and reduce suicide rates. His key message resonated deeply: “Reach out if you’re going through something or know somebody who is going through something. Sometimes just being there as a listener can make all the difference.”
Inglis’s visit included a workshop on March 4, 2024, where he taught adults how to facilitate conversations about mental health. The following day, more than 200 children participated in a “mind and movement” clinic at Parramore Park, directed by Inglis and Hay’s Rachael Pearson. He emphasized the importance of sport as a medium to reach and engage young people, stating, “One way to get kids engaged is through sport, whatever sport that is.”
The former athlete noted a significant shift in attitudes towards mental health among younger generations. “With our youth today, it’s spoken about openly. In my generation, we were taught to suppress our feelings,” he reflected. Inglis pointed out that public figures speaking about their struggles help normalize these conversations, allowing children to understand they are not alone in their experiences.
Inglis collaborates with organizations like Headspace and RivMed, which provide valuable resources and support in the community. He acknowledged that while progress has been made, there remains much work to do in terms of mental health advocacy. “We’re in the prevention stage, and getting them to open up is a win,” he stated, highlighting the importance of early intervention and the availability of local services.
His illustrious rugby career includes winning a Golden Boot, a Clive Churchill Medal, and ten State of Origin series victories, as well as representing Australia in 39 matches. Inglis aims to illustrate that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their achievements. “They already have a head start in mental health awareness—we didn’t,” he remarked, urging young people to take advantage of the resources available to them.
Inglis also reflected on his time with the Melbourne Storm, where he won two grand finals in 2007 and 2009, although these titles were later stripped due to salary cap violations. He found success with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2014. As the Storm prepare to face the Brisbane Broncos in another grand final on March 10, 2024, he expressed confidence in their chances of securing a sixth title under the guidance of coach Craig Bellamy.
“The Storm gave me a chance when I was just 14 years old, offering me a sense of belonging,” Inglis shared. His connection to the club remains strong, with ongoing support from former teammates and management. He praised the Storm’s culture, which emphasizes a “next man mentality,” setting them apart in the competitive landscape of rugby league.
Inglis believes hard work, dedication, and discipline are central to the Storm’s sustained success. “You can focus on your role within the team without worrying about others, knowing everyone is putting in the effort,” he explained. With the Storm’s impressive record of making the finals in 22 of Bellamy’s 23 seasons, Inglis sees their consistent performance as a testament to their commitment to excellence.
By using his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, Greg Inglis is making strides in fostering a supportive environment for young people. His call to action encourages both dialogue and understanding, reinforcing the critical importance of mental health in today’s society.
