Inglis says no to AFL ahead of Origin II

The thought of playing at the MCG may excite Greg Inglis but the NRL superstar has ruled out an AFL career despite almost being signed by Essendon.

However, it remains to be seen if Inglis remains in rugby league after again leaving the door open for a code switch when his South Sydney contract ends in 2017.

Former Melbourne Storm star Inglis could not hide his affection for AFL on Thursday ahead of State of Origin’s game two clash at the MCG on June 17.

But the Queensland strike weapon admitted he had no regrets with knocking back a Bombers offer in 2010.

“I love AFL. I sit back and watch it and admire their athletes,” he said.

“But I knew my decision back then was the right one, to stick with rugby league.”

Inglis admitted he got close to being lured to AFL by Essendon who came calling in late 2010 – a signing that arguably would have eclipsed Karmichael Hunt’s Gold Coast move and Israel Folau’s ill-fated defection to Greater Western Sydney.

However, he appeared to give away too much when asked about a possible future move to AFL.

Inglis has been linked to European rugby in 2018 and only appeared to fan the flames when asked about an AFL switch on Thursday.

“At 28 I would not be looking at a change of codes – oh, I mean switching to AFL at this stage,” he said.

Inglis is expected to show what the AFL missed out on in Origin II.

He appeared a shell of himself in the Maroons’ 11-10 game one win in Sydney after battling tonsillitis in the lead-up.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga is desperate for Inglis to get his hands on the ball more often in order revitalise the barnstorming centre’s attacking game.

And he believes switching Inglis during the game to the wing where he can return kicks may be the answer.

“I will put my hand up to do anything for this team,” Inglis said of the wing move.

“If that’s what it takes, that’s what it takes.”

Inglis shares the Origin try scoring record (15) with Queensland teammate Darius Boyd after the pair combined to terrorise NSW down the right side in the past.

However Inglis has not scored for the Maroons since game two in 2013.

And he had a shocker in game one, giving away one penalty, making two errors and managing just one tackle break.

Inglis admitted he was not himself in game one after spending three nights in hospital.

“But I have no regrets putting the jersey on and doing what I did for the team,” he said.

Meanwhile, Queensland held their first official field training session on Thursday, giving new halfback Daly Cherry-Evans his first chance to combine with Maroons pivot Johnathan Thurston.

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