Inglis to find voice as Qld fullback

Actions speak louder than words for Greg Inglis.

But the Queensland star admits he will need to improve his on-field chat to succeed as Maroons fullback in July 8’s State of Origin decider in Brisbane.

The softly spoken Inglis has made a habit of doing his talking on the field, sort of.

The barnstorming Maroons centre usually makes a statement with ball in hand but Inglis concedes he must work on his communication to step up in injured No.1 Billy Slater’s absence.

Inglis, 28, has had plenty of practice juggling the South Sydney captaincy and No.1 jersey in the NRL.

However, the 25-Origin game veteran admitted a challenge lay ahead in his first stint as Queensland fullback since game three, 2012.

“Talk is vital (from the back to maintain Queensland’s structures) and that is something Billy does extremely well,” Inglis said of the fullback role.

“It is something I have been learning over the last few years and I am getting there – I just have to continually do it.

“It just comes with confidence and being confident with the boys around you and to boss them around the field and tell them to get in the right position.

“(But) Origin in any position is a big step up.

“You can get found out very quickly.”

The threat Inglis poses at fullback has already set tongues wagging after bouncing back to his best in Queensland’s 26-18 game two loss in Melbourne.

All but silenced by tonsillitis in game one, Inglis found his voice again in Origin II as he amassed 128m, seven tackle busts and a record 16th career try.

It marked his first Origin four-pointer since game two, 2013.

He was rotated with winger Darius Boyd in game two in order to provide him more ball.

But he is not expected to be far from the action at fullback in a backline reshuffled due to Slater’s season-ending shoulder injury.

Apart from Inglis, Will Chambers is at centre and debutant Dane Gagai is on the wing for game three.

“I was extremely happy with my performance but it is all about the team and we didn’t get the result,” Inglis said of Origin II.

“I don’t know about vintage best but it was just great to find form.

“(But) I have to go back and find that form again.”

Queensland teammate Matt Scott couldn’t wait.

“We’re going to miss Billy and what he brings to the game but Gregs skills bring a different kind of excitement,” he said.

Inglis has vowed to improve his on-field chat but don’t expect any trash talk.

His teammates are also set to take a vow of silence despite reportedly more sledging from the NSW camp.

“We sit back and go about our business – that’s just the way it is,” Inglis said.

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