Greg Inglis, a celebrated figure in Australian rugby league, has shared that he nearly walked away from the NRL at the conclusion of 2010.
The iconic player, who continued his NRL journey until 2019, switched to the South Sydney Rabbitohs after the Melbourne Storm's salary cap controversy.
In a conversation on the Howie Games Podcast, Inglis disclosed that he had several discussions with the Essendon Bombers, a prominent AFL team in Victoria.
Interestingly, it seems that the workout demands were the primary factor that led him to reconsider.
"It's true," Inglis said on The Howie Games.
"I wanted to stay at Melbourne (Storm) in 2010. I had three meetings with Essendon and James Hird. Found out very quick how much running they do but those meetings were all set to go, but I had a change of mind, and obviously went to Souths.
"Absolutely (they were open to having me). Meetings with Hirdy, the high-performance team, going through all the basics stuff to sign a player.
"I would've gone alright. They would've played me full forward. Three meetings with them, it was almost a done deal."
Inglis carved a significant path in the NRL primarily as a centre, but he also showcased his versatility by playing fullback and in the halves during his illustrious career.
He is regarded as one of the most talented athletes to ever step onto an NRL field.