Following his retirement from professional rugby league, decorated footy legend Greg Inglis discovered he urgently needed a renewed sense of purpose in life. The former star, now 39, officially concluded his playing career in 2021 after a storied tenure that featured multiple NRL premierships, a celebrated stint with Queensland's State of Origin team from 2006 to 2018, and 39 international Tests for Australia.
Post-Retirement Mental Health Diagnosis
After initially stepping away from the National Rugby League in 2019, which was followed by a brief period with Warrington in the English Super League, Inglis soon received serious mental health diagnoses. Medical professionals identified that he was suffering from anxiety, depression, and bipolar II disorder. For years, rugby league had served as his primary emotional outlet, but with that avenue no longer available, he faced significant personal challenges.
Finding Solace on Two Wheels
Inglis eventually found profound peace and therapeutic relief through motorcycle riding, specifically on his Harley-Davidson. He has openly acknowledged previously struggling with his mental wellbeing and emphasizes that reaching out to his close inner circle was crucial. 'If I didn't go ask for help, I wouldn't be here today,' Inglis told News Corp. He reflected on his earlier lack of understanding, stating, 'I didn't have a proper understanding or proper diagnosis until I finished retirement, and went through my mental health struggles. When I was down, or not feeling the best, I always put that down to tiredness. And I really didn't understand it.'
He credits his support network for intervening, noting, 'That's the simplest way to put it and luckily enough I had the right people around me who actually pulled me up and said I actually needed help.' Now, if Inglis is not dedicating time to his highly successful mental health initiative, The Goanna Academy, he is likely to be found riding on the open road.
The Goanna Academy and Current Lifestyle
Inglis established the Goanna Academy in August 2020 to deliver essential mental health education, support, and awareness programs, with a particular focus on assisting regional and Indigenous communities. Based in Sydney nowadays, the athlete often embarks on long motorcycle journeys to destinations such as Warrnambool in Victoria, Albury, Bathurst, and Tamworth. He firmly believes that riding represents his most effective form of life therapy and personal rejuvenation.
Stepping Back from Rugby Commitments
The former player has also taken a deliberate step back from his previous rugby league engagements, which included mentoring promising Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula and serving as an assistant coach for the club's NRLW team. However, his passion for the sport endures, and he occasionally attends training sessions at South Sydney Rabbitohs, the club where he achieved premiership glory in 2014, as well as maintaining connections with the Melbourne Storm.
Inglis expressed deep affection for both clubs, saying, 'They both have significant meanings. Winning the premiership with Souths in 2014 was a massive achievement, and I signed with Melbourne at 14—they have been my family ever since I was a kid.' Looking ahead to 2026, his life continues to balance advocacy work through the Goanna Academy with the restorative freedom he finds on his motorcycle, illustrating a powerful journey from sports stardom to mental health advocacy and personal healing.
