Queenslander
24-04-06, 07:35 PM
Maroons greats back Inglis
April 24, 2006
FORMER Queensland flyer Kerry Boustead says he has little doubt teenage sensation Greg Inglis is mature enough to handle the pressure-cooker atmosphere of State of Origin football.
Boustead, who made his debut for Queensland at 18, today joined former Maroons hardman Greg Dowling to reject claims from Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy that Inglis was not yet ready for representative football.
Inglis, 19, has been electric for the high-flying Storm so far this season and added two more tries to his 2006 tally against Newcastle last weekend to strengthen his hold on a maiden Maroons jersey.
Boustead said Inglis appeared to be playing at a level beyond his years.
"I think there is a certain level (of maturity) that you need to achieve but I think it's recognisable in the players as they come through the top grade already," Boustead said.
"I would say that there are some players out there who are two or three years older than Greg who haven't achieved that level yet and I think Greg has shown that, in pressure situations, he tends to make the right decisions each time and that's the sign of a good player."
Dowling, who joined Boustead for a charity rugby league match in Townsville, said he had no doubt Inglis' name would be read out when Queensland announces its side for the opening clash on May 24.
"I reckon if you play first grade in the NRL, and it's the measuring mark, if you can play in that, mate, throw him a jumper," Dowling said.
"He's scoring tries from everywhere and he makes it look easy.
"This kid is a special talent. I saw him play two years ago, running around with the kids, and there was something about him that just made me watch him and I've watched his career ever since.
"He'll be in the side I can tell you that now. Don't worry about what his coach says, he'll be in the side."
Boustead said the Maroons could ease Inglis into State of Origin by selecting him on the wing.
Inglis has switched between fullback and centre for the Storm this season.
"I don't know what Mal's plans for the centres are but if he does move him further in then that's more pressure on him," Boustead said.
"He'd have to play against some big hitters in the likes of Gasnier and that but what you can guarantee is that he's a good player, he's got the credentials and he's shown that he's got the football ability to do it.
"It would be easy for him to adapt to the wing."
Meanwhile, North Queensland has announced that former Cowboys player Glen Murphy will be the man to take over from Billy Johnstone at the end of the season.
Murphy has been working as a trainer at the club since he retired in 1999 but Johnstone's defection to the Gold Coast has opened up a new opportunity for the Sarina product.
AAP
April 24, 2006
FORMER Queensland flyer Kerry Boustead says he has little doubt teenage sensation Greg Inglis is mature enough to handle the pressure-cooker atmosphere of State of Origin football.
Boustead, who made his debut for Queensland at 18, today joined former Maroons hardman Greg Dowling to reject claims from Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy that Inglis was not yet ready for representative football.
Inglis, 19, has been electric for the high-flying Storm so far this season and added two more tries to his 2006 tally against Newcastle last weekend to strengthen his hold on a maiden Maroons jersey.
Boustead said Inglis appeared to be playing at a level beyond his years.
"I think there is a certain level (of maturity) that you need to achieve but I think it's recognisable in the players as they come through the top grade already," Boustead said.
"I would say that there are some players out there who are two or three years older than Greg who haven't achieved that level yet and I think Greg has shown that, in pressure situations, he tends to make the right decisions each time and that's the sign of a good player."
Dowling, who joined Boustead for a charity rugby league match in Townsville, said he had no doubt Inglis' name would be read out when Queensland announces its side for the opening clash on May 24.
"I reckon if you play first grade in the NRL, and it's the measuring mark, if you can play in that, mate, throw him a jumper," Dowling said.
"He's scoring tries from everywhere and he makes it look easy.
"This kid is a special talent. I saw him play two years ago, running around with the kids, and there was something about him that just made me watch him and I've watched his career ever since.
"He'll be in the side I can tell you that now. Don't worry about what his coach says, he'll be in the side."
Boustead said the Maroons could ease Inglis into State of Origin by selecting him on the wing.
Inglis has switched between fullback and centre for the Storm this season.
"I don't know what Mal's plans for the centres are but if he does move him further in then that's more pressure on him," Boustead said.
"He'd have to play against some big hitters in the likes of Gasnier and that but what you can guarantee is that he's a good player, he's got the credentials and he's shown that he's got the football ability to do it.
"It would be easy for him to adapt to the wing."
Meanwhile, North Queensland has announced that former Cowboys player Glen Murphy will be the man to take over from Billy Johnstone at the end of the season.
Murphy has been working as a trainer at the club since he retired in 1999 but Johnstone's defection to the Gold Coast has opened up a new opportunity for the Sarina product.
AAP