GI reveals what saved his life after NRL retirement
Rugby league superstar Greg Inglis has described a hard transition from stardom to retirement, marked by a new mental health diagnosis and a need for purpose.
He told Newscorp this week he found stability on the road and through his Goanna Academy, which focuses on mental health education, support and awareness, particularly for regional and Indigenous communities.
Indigenous star Inglis retired from the NRL in 2019. His career featured NRL premiership success and selection in what has been described as arguably Queensland’s greatest ever Origin side between 2006 and 2018. He also played 39 Tests for Australia. After walking away from the NRL in 2019, he had a short stint with Warrington in the English Super League.
Key Points
- Greg Inglis retired from the NRL in 2019, official in 2021
- Soon diagnosed with anxiety, depression and bipolar II disorder
- Launched Goanna Academy in August 2020 for mental health education
- Focus on regional and Indigenous communities through support and awareness
- Found peace riding a Harley-Davidson, often long interstate trips
- Based in Sydney, rides to Warrnambool, Albury, Bathurst and Tamworth
- Stepped back from mentoring at Wests Tigers, still linked to Souths and Storm
Mental health diagnosis
Soon after stepping away from the game, Inglis was diagnosed with anxiety, depression and bipolar II disorder. He has said that rugby league had long served as an outlet, but once it was removed, he struggled with his mental health.
He reached out to his inner circle for support and later reflected that his diagnosis only became clear after his playing days ended. He told News Corp that seeking help was pivotal.
Reality TV personality Cameron Merchant (far left), Greg Inglis (centre left), and NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson (centre right) are seen during a press conference following at a press conference following the first Men’s Mental Health Forum in Sydney in 2024.
‘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 said.
‘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.’
“If I didn’t go ask for help, I wouldn’t be here today.”
— Greg Inglis
He added that he previously misread the warning signs, attributing how he felt to tiredness. He described having the right people around him who urged him to seek professional support once he finished playing.
The Goanna Academy
In August 2020, Inglis launched the Goanna Academy to provide mental health education, support and awareness, particularly for regional and Indigenous communities.
He continues to work with what is described as his highly successful mental health service. His focus includes bringing messages of help-seeking and resilience to audiences outside major cities, aligned with his own experience of asking for help and receiving a formal diagnosis after his playing career.
Inglis launched the Goanna Academy in 2020 to provide mental health education.
Motorcycling as therapy
When rugby league was no longer part of his daily life, Inglis turned to motorcycles. He eventually found peace on a Harley-Davidson, describing it as his best form of life therapy.
Based in Sydney these days, he regularly rides considerable distances to connect with communities and venues. He often travels to Warrnambool in Victoria, as well as Albury, Bathurst and Tamworth.
Fast forward to 2026 and, if he is not working with the Goanna Academy, he is commonly out on the highway on the bike. The long distances add routine to life after professional sport and align with his outreach to regional areas.
He has taken a step back from previous rugby league commitments. Those roles included mentoring boom Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula and working as the club’s assistant NRLW coach. On occasion, he still attends South Sydney training sessions. His connection to the Rabbitohs and the Melbourne Storm remains strong.
He said that winning the premiership with Souths in 2014 was a major achievement and as he had signed with Melbourne at 14, that club had been like family to him.
Regional and Indigenous reach
The Goanna Academy targets mental health education, support and awareness, particularly for regional and Indigenous communities. Inglis’s outreach aligns with his extensive travel schedule to centres such as Warrnambool, Albury, Bathurst and Tamworth. These trips provide opportunities to connect directly with audiences outside metropolitan areas.
