Latest news with #GregInglis
SBS Australia
17 hours ago
- Health
- SBS Australia
‘Stick with it': Greg Inglis leads national mental health push for mob
A powerful new mental health campaign is putting visibility, connection, and culture at the centre of healing – and it's led by NRL great and Dunghutti man Greg Inglis. Launched through his mental health organisation, the Goanna Academy, the Stick With It campaign invites people to write messages of strength, remembrance or hope on sports tape - a small gesture aimed at sparking big conversations. "No matter what you're going through – even if it feels tough or you're not sure about the process – we want people to stay with it,' Inglis said. "There's always a light at the end of the tunnel." The campaign comes as new figures show more than one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults report having a current mental health condition, a rate significantly higher than for non-Indigenous Australians. Standing in front of a mural in Redfern covered with hundreds of handwritten messages, Inglis reflected on the significance of making mental health visible. "We all bandage up injuries you can see - but mental health is invisible,' he said. "This tape, these messages, they make it real. People wrote for the next person, someone they lost, or about their own struggles. It's powerful." Greg Inglis places a message on a mural in Redfern covered with handwritten notes, part of the Stick With It campaign raising awareness for mental health in First Nations communities. The Stick With It initiative is part of a broader movement by the Goanna Academy to break down stigma in First Nations communities and to support young people through targeted education and cultural connection. "I used to say I was okay, but I wasn't,' Inglis said. "Sharing my story helps others realise they're not alone. "We have to look after ourselves, so we can look after the next generation." South Sydney Rabbitohs star and Bundjalung and Yuin man Cody Walker, an ambassador for the Goanna Academy, also threw his support behind the campaign. "Mental health affects everyone – all communities, across the whole country,' Walker said. "Seeing people come together to write messages for strangers – that could be the thing that helps someone get through the day." He said campaigns like this are vital in communities where suicide rates remain alarmingly high. "You never know what someone's going through,' Walker said. "But the Goanna Academy is giving mob the tools - strategies to work through mental health struggles, and ways to support others too. That's what makes it so important." The campaign will also roll out across the NRL, with players set to wear Stick With It tape during Round 22 as a show of solidarity. "It's a great initiative, and I'm proud to be part of it," Walker said. The Goanna Academy is aiming to raise $500,000 to expand its reach across schools and regional communities - enabling more programs, more ambassadors, and more sustained support. "I don't believe in just visiting a community once,' Inglis said. "Mental health takes time. That's why we return, we follow up, we build real connections." For Walker, the message is simple: dream big, even through the struggle. "I always tell kids: follow your dreams,' he said. "I've had my challenges, but I never gave up. That's what this is about, showing people they're not alone, and not giving up on themselves." As NAIDOC Week continues across the country, Inglis said the campaign reflects what this year's theme – 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy' – is all about. "This is about legacy. This is about looking after ourselves so we can be here for the next generation,' he said. "If we can change a life – or save one – then we're doing our job." 13YARN: 13 92 76 Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
ABC News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Maroons State of Origin squad set to include three debutants as Queensland counts the cost of injury
Robert Toia grew up idolising Greg Inglis and now he gets to follow in his footsteps, with the Sydney Roosters rookie set to make his State of Origin debut. The 20-year-old centre joins Gold Coast second-rower Beau Fermor and Melbourne lock Trent Loiero as debutants in the Maroons side to play in the Origin series opener on May 28 at Lang Park. After losing last year's series 2-1, coach Billy Slater has put his faith in new blood. A pectoral injury to Dolphins forward Tom Gilbert and a calf issue for North Queensland winger Murray Taulagi opened the door to offer new candidates an opportunity. On the cusp of the side being named, Brisbane outside back Selwyn Cobbo also suffered a possible wrist fracture in the 30-26 loss to St George Illawarra. Toia overcame two ACL ruptures to finally make his NRL debut this year and in 10 matches, he showcased rare talents. He has an unflustered temperament along with power, speed and skill. That was best highlighted in a 36-26 win over the Dolphins at Magic Round, where he scored two tries, had a try assist and created carnage. "I would love to play Origin," former Queensland under-19 representative Toia said after round 11. "I just remember watching GI [Inglis] and how dominant he was. It didn't matter who was in front of him, he was just able to create havoc." Fermor, 25, has also suffered two ACL tears. The latest wiped him out of the 2023 season after he had been invited into the Maroons camp in 2022. This year, he has found his groove as a superb edge forward who runs great lines and defends strongly. Loiero is well-known for being a feisty forward who plays with physicality and work ethic, highlighted by his average of 117m and 32 tackles per game in 2025. The Maroons have made other selection decisions forced partly by injury. Incumbent fullback Reece Walsh (knee) and utility Ben Hunt (hamstring) are both unavailable. Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga, who came off the bench in game three last year, returns to the starting custodian's role for the first time since the 2022 decider, when he was man of the match. Maroons champion Cameron Munster is back in the number 6 jersey after missing last year's series with injury. That pushes Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden from five-eighth to the number 14 jersey previously worn by Hunt with distinction. Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui also returns to the Maroons side at prop after missing last year with an ACL tear. LIKELY QUEENSLAND SIDE: 1 Kalyn Ponga, 2 Xavier Coates, 3 Robert Toia, 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5 Valentine Holmes, 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8 Moeaki Fotuaika, 9 Harry Grant, 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, 11 Reuben Cotter, 12 Jeremiah Nanai, 13 Pat Carrigan, 14 Tom Dearden, 15 Lindsay Collins, 16 Beau Fermor, 17 Trent Loiero, 18 Kurt Mann, 19 Jesse Arthars, 20 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. AAP
The Advertiser
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Two 'beasts' inspiring Dolphins powerhouse Finefeuiaki
Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has two beasts on his mind right now. The first is Greg Inglis, whom he wants to emulate in the State of Origin arena for Queensland, and the other is 19-year-old wrecking ball Leka Halasima, whom he wants to overpower in Sunday's clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium. The 21-year-old Dolphins second-rower was born in New Zealand but moved to Ipswich as an 11-year-old where he played junior footy for Redbank Plains and then Ipswich State High, where he was noticed. Inglis was a shining light for the Maroons, mostly at centre, but Finefeuiaki was hooked on the Origin concept after watching the physicality of his play. "Greg Inglis - I know it's a bit out of my position - but watching him play for Queensland he was just another beast," Finefeuiaki said. "Just the aggression he carries when he runs the ball and defends, and the way he just puts his hand up for everything. I watch his highlights here and there, so it's pretty cool and I want to try and do that. "To be a Queenslander is pretty cool because my older brother goes for NSW, and when it comes to that time I don't like him." The Maroons will name their side on Monday for the Origin series opener on May 28 and although Finefeuiaki is not expected to be named in game one, he is considered a future Queensland representative. "Woolfy (coach Kristian Woolf) said a big part of my game is bringing that aggression, both sides of the ball," Finefeuiaki said. "I just want to do that for the boys and to play Origin would be a dream come true, but we'll have to wait for that one." Finefeuiaki enjoys confrontation and one-on-one battles and is hoping to get one over the in-form Halasima on Sunday. "Their young star Leka Halasima is flying at the moment. I think I'm going up against him on that edge, so I reckon it will be a good test for me and no doubt a good battle for us two young Tongan boys," Finefeuiaki said. "There will be a bit of backchat here and there, but it's all part of the game. He's probably going to have some little jokes here and there to try and make me laugh, but I don't know if I'll fall into that." Finefeuiaki was outstanding in the 20-16 win over Parramatta last week after being disappointed with his previous two displays. "I probably missed a few kick chases, that's my job for the team to try get down on those kick chases and make the first tackle and second tackles, but I recognise I just didn't," he said. "I was pretty filthy with myself, but the boys had my back and told me to keep moving forward. "To come away with the win (against Parramatta) was pretty good. The boys turned up and wanted to play, and especially getting a win down in Sydney - which is pretty tough to do - overall it was a good performance." Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has two beasts on his mind right now. The first is Greg Inglis, whom he wants to emulate in the State of Origin arena for Queensland, and the other is 19-year-old wrecking ball Leka Halasima, whom he wants to overpower in Sunday's clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium. The 21-year-old Dolphins second-rower was born in New Zealand but moved to Ipswich as an 11-year-old where he played junior footy for Redbank Plains and then Ipswich State High, where he was noticed. Inglis was a shining light for the Maroons, mostly at centre, but Finefeuiaki was hooked on the Origin concept after watching the physicality of his play. "Greg Inglis - I know it's a bit out of my position - but watching him play for Queensland he was just another beast," Finefeuiaki said. "Just the aggression he carries when he runs the ball and defends, and the way he just puts his hand up for everything. I watch his highlights here and there, so it's pretty cool and I want to try and do that. "To be a Queenslander is pretty cool because my older brother goes for NSW, and when it comes to that time I don't like him." The Maroons will name their side on Monday for the Origin series opener on May 28 and although Finefeuiaki is not expected to be named in game one, he is considered a future Queensland representative. "Woolfy (coach Kristian Woolf) said a big part of my game is bringing that aggression, both sides of the ball," Finefeuiaki said. "I just want to do that for the boys and to play Origin would be a dream come true, but we'll have to wait for that one." Finefeuiaki enjoys confrontation and one-on-one battles and is hoping to get one over the in-form Halasima on Sunday. "Their young star Leka Halasima is flying at the moment. I think I'm going up against him on that edge, so I reckon it will be a good test for me and no doubt a good battle for us two young Tongan boys," Finefeuiaki said. "There will be a bit of backchat here and there, but it's all part of the game. He's probably going to have some little jokes here and there to try and make me laugh, but I don't know if I'll fall into that." Finefeuiaki was outstanding in the 20-16 win over Parramatta last week after being disappointed with his previous two displays. "I probably missed a few kick chases, that's my job for the team to try get down on those kick chases and make the first tackle and second tackles, but I recognise I just didn't," he said. "I was pretty filthy with myself, but the boys had my back and told me to keep moving forward. "To come away with the win (against Parramatta) was pretty good. The boys turned up and wanted to play, and especially getting a win down in Sydney - which is pretty tough to do - overall it was a good performance." Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has two beasts on his mind right now. The first is Greg Inglis, whom he wants to emulate in the State of Origin arena for Queensland, and the other is 19-year-old wrecking ball Leka Halasima, whom he wants to overpower in Sunday's clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium. The 21-year-old Dolphins second-rower was born in New Zealand but moved to Ipswich as an 11-year-old where he played junior footy for Redbank Plains and then Ipswich State High, where he was noticed. Inglis was a shining light for the Maroons, mostly at centre, but Finefeuiaki was hooked on the Origin concept after watching the physicality of his play. "Greg Inglis - I know it's a bit out of my position - but watching him play for Queensland he was just another beast," Finefeuiaki said. "Just the aggression he carries when he runs the ball and defends, and the way he just puts his hand up for everything. I watch his highlights here and there, so it's pretty cool and I want to try and do that. "To be a Queenslander is pretty cool because my older brother goes for NSW, and when it comes to that time I don't like him." The Maroons will name their side on Monday for the Origin series opener on May 28 and although Finefeuiaki is not expected to be named in game one, he is considered a future Queensland representative. "Woolfy (coach Kristian Woolf) said a big part of my game is bringing that aggression, both sides of the ball," Finefeuiaki said. "I just want to do that for the boys and to play Origin would be a dream come true, but we'll have to wait for that one." Finefeuiaki enjoys confrontation and one-on-one battles and is hoping to get one over the in-form Halasima on Sunday. "Their young star Leka Halasima is flying at the moment. I think I'm going up against him on that edge, so I reckon it will be a good test for me and no doubt a good battle for us two young Tongan boys," Finefeuiaki said. "There will be a bit of backchat here and there, but it's all part of the game. He's probably going to have some little jokes here and there to try and make me laugh, but I don't know if I'll fall into that." Finefeuiaki was outstanding in the 20-16 win over Parramatta last week after being disappointed with his previous two displays. "I probably missed a few kick chases, that's my job for the team to try get down on those kick chases and make the first tackle and second tackles, but I recognise I just didn't," he said. "I was pretty filthy with myself, but the boys had my back and told me to keep moving forward. "To come away with the win (against Parramatta) was pretty good. The boys turned up and wanted to play, and especially getting a win down in Sydney - which is pretty tough to do - overall it was a good performance."
West Australian
13-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Two 'beasts' inspiring Dolphins powerhouse Finefeuiaki
Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has two beasts on his mind right now. The first is Greg Inglis, whom he wants to emulate in the State of Origin arena for Queensland, and the other is 19-year-old wrecking ball Leka Halasima, whom he wants to overpower in Sunday's clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium. The 21-year-old Dolphins second-rower was born in New Zealand but moved to Ipswich as an 11-year-old where he played junior footy for Redbank Plains and then Ipswich State High, where he was noticed. Inglis was a shining light for the Maroons, mostly at centre, but Finefeuiaki was hooked on the Origin concept after watching the physicality of his play. "Greg Inglis - I know it's a bit out of my position - but watching him play for Queensland he was just another beast," Finefeuiaki said. "Just the aggression he carries when he runs the ball and defends, and the way he just puts his hand up for everything. I watch his highlights here and there, so it's pretty cool and I want to try and do that. "To be a Queenslander is pretty cool because my older brother goes for NSW, and when it comes to that time I don't like him." The Maroons will name their side on Monday for the Origin series opener on May 28 and although Finefeuiaki is not expected to be named in game one, he is considered a future Queensland representative. "Woolfy (coach Kristian Woolf) said a big part of my game is bringing that aggression, both sides of the ball," Finefeuiaki said. "I just want to do that for the boys and to play Origin would be a dream come true, but we'll have to wait for that one." Finefeuiaki enjoys confrontation and one-on-one battles and is hoping to get one over the in-form Halasima on Sunday. "Their young star Leka Halasima is flying at the moment. I think I'm going up against him on that edge, so I reckon it will be a good test for me and no doubt a good battle for us two young Tongan boys," Finefeuiaki said. "There will be a bit of backchat here and there, but it's all part of the game. He's probably going to have some little jokes here and there to try and make me laugh, but I don't know if I'll fall into that." Finefeuiaki was outstanding in the 20-16 win over Parramatta last week after being disappointed with his previous two displays. "I probably missed a few kick chases, that's my job for the team to try get down on those kick chases and make the first tackle and second tackles, but I recognise I just didn't," he said. "I was pretty filthy with myself, but the boys had my back and told me to keep moving forward. "To come away with the win (against Parramatta) was pretty good. The boys turned up and wanted to play, and especially getting a win down in Sydney - which is pretty tough to do - overall it was a good performance."
Perth Now
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Two 'beasts' inspiring Dolphins powerhouse Finefeuiaki
Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has two beasts on his mind right now. The first is Greg Inglis, whom he wants to emulate in the State of Origin arena for Queensland, and the other is 19-year-old wrecking ball Leka Halasima, whom he wants to overpower in Sunday's clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium. The 21-year-old Dolphins second-rower was born in New Zealand but moved to Ipswich as an 11-year-old where he played junior footy for Redbank Plains and then Ipswich State High, where he was noticed. Inglis was a shining light for the Maroons, mostly at centre, but Finefeuiaki was hooked on the Origin concept after watching the physicality of his play. "Greg Inglis - I know it's a bit out of my position - but watching him play for Queensland he was just another beast," Finefeuiaki said. "Just the aggression he carries when he runs the ball and defends, and the way he just puts his hand up for everything. I watch his highlights here and there, so it's pretty cool and I want to try and do that. "To be a Queenslander is pretty cool because my older brother goes for NSW, and when it comes to that time I don't like him." The Maroons will name their side on Monday for the Origin series opener on May 28 and although Finefeuiaki is not expected to be named in game one, he is considered a future Queensland representative. "Woolfy (coach Kristian Woolf) said a big part of my game is bringing that aggression, both sides of the ball," Finefeuiaki said. "I just want to do that for the boys and to play Origin would be a dream come true, but we'll have to wait for that one." Finefeuiaki enjoys confrontation and one-on-one battles and is hoping to get one over the in-form Halasima on Sunday. "Their young star Leka Halasima is flying at the moment. I think I'm going up against him on that edge, so I reckon it will be a good test for me and no doubt a good battle for us two young Tongan boys," Finefeuiaki said. "There will be a bit of backchat here and there, but it's all part of the game. He's probably going to have some little jokes here and there to try and make me laugh, but I don't know if I'll fall into that." Finefeuiaki was outstanding in the 20-16 win over Parramatta last week after being disappointed with his previous two displays. "I probably missed a few kick chases, that's my job for the team to try get down on those kick chases and make the first tackle and second tackles, but I recognise I just didn't," he said. "I was pretty filthy with myself, but the boys had my back and told me to keep moving forward. "To come away with the win (against Parramatta) was pretty good. The boys turned up and wanted to play, and especially getting a win down in Sydney - which is pretty tough to do - overall it was a good performance."
