EXCLUSIVE: TEST star Greg Inglis is seriously considering a move to the Brisbane Broncos next year with his heart torn between his fiancee and his loyalty to the Melbourne Storm. In a stunning move that would spell the end of Melbourne's big four, The Sunday Mail can reveal Inglis will approach Storm coach Craig Bellamy this week to discuss moving north to Queensland on "compassionate grounds".
Since arriving in Melbourne as a teenager, Inglis has spent the past five seasons alongside Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk. But those heady days appear numbered due to a series of factors, including the club's ongoing salary cap drama and Inglis's recent engagement to fiancee, Sally Robinson.
Robinson, long considered the rock to Inglis's stellar career, has landed a plum job in Brisbane with an events management company and he is eager to see her pursue a career instead of coaxing her to live with him in Melbourne.
The development came less than 12 months after their relationship almost brought Inglis undone.
He escaped conviction after facing charges of unlawful assault and recklessly causing injury to Ms Robinson after an incident at her home last August.
Inglis remains torn over the possibility of playing against the Storm and ending his close relationship with Bellamy, who the 23-year-old considers a father figure.
Inglis is stewing over the decision, but feels his decision to leave would allow them to alleviate salary cap pressure and enable Melbourne to retain some of their hottest young stars including Justin O'Neill and Matt Duffie.A committed family man, Inglis's potential move to the Broncos would also allow him to be closer to his family in Kempsey - which The Sunday Mail understands is another major contributing factor.
A source close to the Melbourne Storm said: "If it did happen, he'd feel bad, but he knows it's an alternative for him and that he would adapt to it."
Israel Folau's defection to the AFL with Greater Western Sydney next season is also a factor in Inglis switching to the Broncos.
The Broncos are yet to fill the void of Folau and it has been suggested Queensland State of Origin and Brisbane trainer Allan Langer spoke with Inglis about moving to the Broncos during the recent series.
Storm football manager Frank Ponissi was reluctant to comment on the development.
"From our point of view we haven't had any discussion yet with Greg or his manager about going anywhere," Ponissi said.
"I'm not going to speculate on this."
The Broncos are one of 10 clubs said to be interested in the Maroons star, but are favourites to secure his signature.
It is believed Inglis has told his manager, Allan Gainey, he has little interest linking with a Sydney-based club and the "fish bowl" existence it would bring. He also has no desire to follow up interest from AFL club Essendon or overseas.
The release of findings related to Melbourne's cap scandal by audit specialists Deloitte within the next 72 hours could fast-track a decision.
If, as expected, the Storm will be forced to shed players, it's unlikely they will stand in Inglis's way.
It is understood he is on almost $600,000 a season, a figure the Broncos are unwilling to go near unless the Storm were willing to pay for a portion of his release.
Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen confirmed the club's interest in Inglis, but said they didn't have an open cheque book.
"Are we interested? Yes," Cullen said.
"Are we interested in the current numbers that he's on down in Melbourne? No."
Cullen said the club's priority was to retain promising talent.
