Former Warrington Wolves star Greg Inglis explains how bipolar diagnosis inspired him to help others

Alongside his return to Australia to play local league rugby league, former Warrington Wolves centre Greg Inglis will also be striving to help more people with their mental health in his Goanna Academy.

A hamstring injury ended Inglis’ Warrington playing career after just three Super League appearances, but the former South Sydney Rabbitohs legend also contributed greatly off the field, helping to educate youngsters and give them a safe place to talk with his Academy.

Inglis will play for the Macksville Sea Eagles in the NSWRL Group Two competition after playing 263 NRL matches, 39 Tests for Australia and 32 Origins for Queensland.

“I have had a great footy career professionally, but I want to give back to Group Two and to my home-town as well,” Inglis told NRL.com.

“I was 15 when I last wore the Macksville jersey, but I have never forgotten where I came from. It’s something I have always spoken about and I always like to give back to the community.”

Inglis is also keen to talk about his own experiences with depression, having been diagnosed with Bipolar II following his retirement in 2019.

“Goanna Academy is what I am focusing on now. That is what I am passionate about,” Inglis said. “I think it is the first Indigenous-owned mental health program in Australia, so I am proud of that.

“I just want to get out there and share my story about the struggles that I went through, what I faced and what I got diagnosed with. By me sharing what I went through I can give them tips about how to handle themselves if certain things come up – to go and seek help and to talk about it.”