Greg Inglis may have been trying to help Sally Robinson
Peter Kogoy and Brent Read | August 14, 2009
Article from: The Australian
THE Greg Inglis case took a bizarre twist last night when claims emerged he may have been trying to protect his ex-girlfriend in the incident that allegedly led to her suffering a black eye.
While Victoria police refused to comment on details of the case against Inglis yesterday, The Australian understands it has been suggested the Storm and Queensland centre intervened because he feared Sally Robinson may have been attempting to hurt herself.
It is believed Robinson, who remains in Melbourne, confirmed the version of events when she was re-interviewed by police yesterday. Inglis, who is under an indefinite suspension, will also be re-interviewed by police, but it appears he may have been acting to help Robinson.
The latest developments could signal a shift in the Inglis case. The NRL star has been charged with recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault following the incident, which occurred on Sunday morning at Robinson's house.
He has also been stood down from all duties with his club and the game - Inglis is one of the Australian Rugby League's indigenous ambassadors - pending the outcome of the police investigation.
Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron declined to comment last night on anything to do with the investigation involving Inglis. He said the club's only concern was making sure Inglis and Robinson were supported through a difficult period.
"I can confirm Sally Robinson was re-interviewed by police today," Waldron said.
"We anticipate Greg Inglis will be re-interviewed in due course. The most important thing to remember here is that as a concerned participant, our only concern is the health, safety and well-being of the parties involved, especially Sally.
"This is a really difficult period for all parties and we will continue to provide support to those that are individually counselling Greg and Sally during this time."
A spokeswoman for Victoria Police offered a polite "no comment" when quizzed about the incident.
"The matter is before the courts," she said.
Police sources, however, confirmed the incident preceding the charges occurred at the home Robinson had moved to after splitting with Inglis several weeks ago. Other sources claimed to The Australian that Inglis had been acting to help Robinson.
Inglis appeared in Sunshine Magistrates Court on Wednesday and the case was adjourned until August 26. He and Robinson have been receiving ongoing counselling separately.
While the welfare of Inglis and Robinson is the Storm's primary concern, the club has also reached a pivotal time in its season. Without Inglis, some believe it stands little hope of winning a second premiership in three years.
Former NSW and Australia five-eighth Laurie Daley warned the club would struggle to go deep into the finals without arguably its best player.
Although Inglis has been inconsistent at times this season, he remains one of the game's genuine gamebreakers. He was recently awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for best player in the State of Origin series.
"You forget his presence," Daley said. "He can intimidate teams just with his name. While Dane Nielsen might do the same amount of work that Greg Inglis does in a game, you are always on your toes if Inglis is there.
"That's not being disrespectful to Dane. But the issue of marking Greg and the mentality you need to face him is the difference."
So can Melbourne win a grand final without him?
"Maybe a one-off game they can if they're fresh and ready to go and prepared well they could," Daley said.
"But given where they are at the moment I doubt Melbourne can do it without him."
However, Melbourne prop Robbie Kearns insisted coach Craig Bellamy would be able to get the best out of his side even without Inglis at his disposal.
"You don't replace guys like Greg Inglis," Kearns said.
"He's one of the best players, if not the best player in the world. It's hard to replace him. The one good thing about Craig and his coaching staff is that no matter who he puts in there ... he puts a lot of faith in them. He makes players believe in themselves.
Additional reporting: Margie McDonald
