Inglis deal finally signed off

Greg Inglis has joined South Sydney on a three-year deal after his much scrutinised contract was finally approved by the NRL.

But to fit the Queensland and Australia superstar under the salary cap, the club have been forced to offload centre Beau Champion.

Champion will join Melbourne, also on a three-year deal, bringing to an end a saga stretching back to October.

Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said capturing Inglis was only a good thing for rugby league.

“We’re proud to be bringing world class players to our Club,” Mr Richardson said.

“The Rabbitohs is the Club which Greg wants to play for, the Club he believes in, and the Club where he will play his best football.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Greg yet and we, along with our Members and Corporate Partners, are looking forward to the start of the season to see Greg playing his brand of football in South Sydney’s famous red and green jersey.”

Originally Inglis reached a verbal agreement to join Brisbane, but turned his back on the deal in November, forcing the Broncos to withdraw the offer.

A dispute over a $113,000 legal bill stemming from Inglis’ court appearance to face charges of assault complicated matters yet further.

The NRL blocked a deal for Inglis to join Souths last week, citing several significant third party agreements as applicable to the salary cap rules.

But after finally receiving the green light, Inglis said he could not be happier to be joining the Rabbitohs.

“I’m glad this is all over and now I can concentrate on my football,” Inglis said.

“I always wanted to stay in Rugby League and I wanted to play for South Sydney.

“I want to pay tribute to Shane Richardson and the Rabbitohs for persevering and believing in me.

“Because of that I am still in the code I love and the team where I see my future.”