Gallop: Inglis still a Storm player

Despite Greg Inglis making his first appearance at South Sydney HQ earlier this week, NRL chief David Gallop has insisted that the star centre is still a Melbourne player.

Inglis, 23, sensationally reneged on a two year deal to join Brisbane last month, instead opting to sign with Russell Crowe’s Rabbitohs.

The Queensland and Australia centre is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury but made a short appearance at Rabbitoh’s training at Redfern on Monday.

But Gallop says Inglis must first be released by Melbourne before he can officially join Souths.

“A short form contract has been lodged. Let’s be very clear about Greg Inglis‘ situation at the moment, Greg Inglis is a player that’s contracted to the Melbourne Storm,” Gallop told the AAP.

“He needs a release from the Melbourne Storm with the salary cap auditor’s approval before he can play anywhere else.”

“(Salary cap auditor) Ian Schubert will be looking at it fully including any third-party deals when that is all lodged with us, we’re not quite at that point yet,” Gallop said.

“When high profile players move clubs, Ian tends to have a pretty hard look at it and this will be in this category.”