Inglis Rejoin Teammates For Field Sessions
Alicia Newton, National Correspondent, NRL.com
Fri 17th November, 12:00PM
South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Greg Inglis has made a much-anticipated return to the training paddock eight months after rupturing his ACL in in the opening round of the 2017 season.
In a great sight for Rabbitohs fans, the 30-year-old international had a light session with the squad on Friday under the watchful eye of the club's high performance team and new coach Anthony Seibold at Redfern Oval.
Inglis participated in straight-line running before later joining team drills that included carries out of dummy-half.
Rabbitohs head of high performance Paul Devlin was pleased with the veteran star’s return.
“He’s progressed fantastically well, he’s an absolute freak,” said Devlin.
“He’s starting his re-conditioning return-to-training program now - he’s progressed really, really well. He’s been training at an exceptionally high standard - we’re very, very happy with him.
“Jared Wade (Sports Science and Rehab Coach) and Eddie Farah (Head Physiotherapist) have done a fantastic job with him in rehab, we’ve been very cautious and taken it really slowly with him.
“Fantastic for everybody – staff included – to see Greg out there with the team.”
Inglis will remain on restricted duties with leaping and stepping movements.
Devlin confirmed the Australian representative would be eased through skill-based drills over the coming weeks.
Inglis will remain as captain at Souths and club
officials are hopeful he will make his comeback in the pre-season trials.
“He’s been training at an exceptionally high standard - we’re very, very happy with him. Looking forward to having him back on the field, re-conditioning him and getting some running into his legs over the next couple of weeks.”
The rest of the Rabbitohs squad have gotten into the swing of things at Redfern Oval, with Devlin remarking positively on their progress.
However, young prop forward Sam Johnstone has suffered a minor set-back, fracturing his thumb and requiring surgery this week.
“Training has gone very well this week, the boys have had a high training load week, they got through their running really well so I’m very happy with the progress,” said Devlin.
“Sam Johnstone was unlucky this week, he’s got a small fracture in his thumb which will be repaired this morning in hospital, and it won’t keep him out for much other than contact for the next five to six weeks.
“Lucky for him he can continue with his running program and most of his weights programs so it won’t affect him too much.”