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...while Hoppas no slow poke....
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...while Hoppas no slow poke....
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-pace-race-set-to-explode/story-e6frexnr-1225875222861NRL pace race set to explode
- Nick Walshaw
- From: The Daily Telegraph
- June 04, 2010 12:00AM
Source: The Daily Telegraph
GREG Inglis was barefoot the last time he raced over 100m.
"Yep, Year 9 at Macksville High," the Kangaroo superstar laughs. "We had a school carnival and I think I might've won that day. I know I definitely ran without shoes because that's the only way I've ever done it ... never worn a pair of running spikes in my life."
Widely regarded as the most naturally fluent sprinter in rugby league, Inglis has officially been granted lane one for a blockbuster dash that will finally end all water cooler, cyberspace and front bar debate over exactly who boasts the tag of NRL's Fastest Man.
Arriving in Sydney late yesterday for tonight's match against Parramatta, the Melbourne centre put on his first pair of spikes, practised his starts and later spent an hour touring the world-class Sydney Olympic Park facilities where he will be competing in September as part of the Competitive Edge Athletic All Stars meet.
Asics will be kitting out the Queensland Origin star - who will be one of eight starters vying for a $20,000 purse provided by Centrebet - in a customised pair of signature GI spikes, which will most likely sport the indigenous colours of black, yellow and red.
"And to be honest with you, I can't wait," Inglis grins.
"When was the last time our game did something like this? How long has it been since eight of the fastest players in the game all raced?
"Wearing the spikes will be a bit different because I've only ever raced barefoot, really. But the fans will love it, the players will love it ... I'm a big supporter of anything that puts more fun into rugby league."
Inglis has also outlined the seven rival players he fears most over 100m. An eclectic mix of Kangaroos, explosive Islanders and a Canberra Raiders smoky whom he insists is a genuine threat for that 20 large. And he's not alone in supporting them, either.
Jarryd Hayne
Ask which player he fears most over 100 metres and Inglis doesn't hesitate. "Have to be Haynesy," he says of the Eel, who covered a footy field in a just over 11 seconds at 15. "He's an incredible athlete. One of those guys you always worry about with the ball. We're expecting a hostile crowd at Parramatta Stadium but I'll be more worried about Haynesy, to be honest."
Kevin Gordon
Legendary Souths winger Mike Cleary once beat the late, great Ken Irvine in footrace at a sodden Wenty Park. But if he was having a punt on today's crop? "Oh, definitely that little winger from the Gold Coast. What's his name, Gordon? He doesn't rock, roll and fight like a lot of the others. He has beautiful balance, stays relaxed ... he'll win it."
Michael Jennings
PANTHERS conditioner Carl Jennings always laughs when asked what a sprint coach would make of his superstar centre. "Well," he'll deadpan in that thick English accent, "they'd pick him to pieces."
While he may boast the style of Max "Tangles" Walker, Jennings boasts footwork, acceleration and devastating Islander genetics, making him one of the game's most dangerous runners. Forget being run down by Josh Morris a few weeks ago, Inglis sees him challenging for the podium.
Chris Lawrence
Twelve years ago, Lawrence set a state record over 100m. The following year he set an Australian record over 70m. Both still stand.
"And I can still see him running now," NSW Little A's chief executive Kerry O'Keefe grins. "His leg speed was, and still is, absolutely phenomenal." Respected Australian track coach and former Olympian Penny Gillies is another backing the Eagle Vale product. "Chris is an incredible athlete. A beautiful runner," Gillies enthuses. "And being a Wests Tigers supporter, he'll certainly be getting my support if he gets a start come September."
Akuila Uate
Andrew Johns has seen 'em all in his time as a player and now coach.
"But none stretch out like Aku," Joey insists. "I've never seen a footballer boast more raw athleticism than this kid. You look at his big legs, big hamstrings, he's built like Maurice Greene, all power. He'll be leading over 40 metres and carrying my money for the rest of the way."
Josh Morris
While Centrebet rates Josh Morris a $7 chance and brother Brett tighter at sixes, Inglis reckons it may be yet another case of mistaken identity. "I'd say Haynesy, Jennings, Josh, they're the first three that come to me," he says. And so the debate continues. Like Nathan Hindmarsh backing Luke Burt. Or Melbourne pushing for Billy Slater to jag lane two. Even manager Sam Ayoub is making serious noise about having a space open up for one of his charges, Cowboys winger Michael Bani.
Drury Low
Unlisted in betting markets. Unknown outside Canberra. Even Raiders skipper Alan Tongue struggles to divulge much on this anonymous Kiwi whose phone was switched off late yesterday. "Ah, lives with Josh Dugan, how's that?" the captain laughs. Yet certainly Inglis has heard enough about the Auckland rookie, a 20-year-old centre who crossed for a double against the Warriors in his one and only NRL appearance a couple of weeks back, to tag him the race smoky. Get on!
