
Queensland Maroons great Greg Inglis is "stoked" to be joining Meg Ward and former Norths Devils premiership-winning coach Dave Elliott as Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons head coach Tahnee Norris' assistants.
The group is hoping to guide the Maroons to lifting the State of Origin shield again following last year’s historic 2-1 series victory over New South Wales.
Inglis, who has also joined the West Tigers NRLW coaching team as a specialist assistant coach, said he enjoyed being with the Maroons in 2024 as a mentor and was very happy to be involved more officially.
"I wasn’t expecting it to happen but I’m really stoked and excited for the challenge ahead," Inglis said.
"This game is growing in the women’s space and it’s going to continue to grow.
"Hopefully down the track and not too long, we get a full season and full-time… the women’s space is a full-time job for them... playing full rounds of NRLW. It’s growing and it’s something I’m passionate about."
Inglis said he was so impressed with the calibre of talent donning maroon.
"There’s no doubt we have high quality superstars in the Queensland team… there’s no surprise when I see them do stuff at training or on the field... no surprise," he said.
"I sit back and I’m in awe at the amount of talent and skill within the squad.
"Every individual brings their own unique skill to the team and to the squad itself... these women are leading the way for the next players coming through.
"If I can pass on my knowledge or help them in any way, upskilling their game, I’m happy."
Inglis said it was a nice touch the Maroons assistant coaches all had connections to Norths Devils; Ward as their BMD Premiership coach, Elliott as a their most recent Hostplus Cup premiership-winning coach and him as a player.
"This is what it’s all about... there’s a story behind each individual and their pathway... Meg and Dave have been at Norths coaching and I was a player there... it’s a great connection," Inglis said.
"Everyone has their own unique story, pathway and journey… but there’s three of us here who have a connection with Norths, helping one another and helping guide the women’s Maroons around. It’s unique and it’s good.
"My biggest role in the role is to pass on knowledge and skill for outside backs and any backs in the squad. Taking the opportunities. Hopefully I can do my job, pass on what I see and help Tahnee."
Elliott said he was equally excited to join the Maroons ranks.
"It’s something I’ve never done before... the main thing is I’m really excited to see what unfolds this year," Elliott said.
"How could you not like this group, right? Just watching the series last year, how much the game has grown, just in general, and the level of footy.
"When I spoke to Tahnee about the role... it's working with the spine… Tamika Upton, Lauren Brown, Tarryn Aiken, Ali Brigginshaw, all of those players... and I was just thinking 'how good… I can’t wait to meet them and get our heads together and try and plot another series win'.
"We’re in the infancy of working together as a coaching group so whatever Tahnee needs is where we’ll all fit together.
"I’m hoping I can help Tahnee in some way, just coaching for such a long time now, there’s not much now that I haven’t seen or been exposed to or had to navigate, for lack of a better term, so I just want to bring a positive and helpful purpose to the group.
"I’m sure Tahnee has given it a lot of thought. You need different people on your staff, in your coaching staff... I’m sure we’ll all bring our own experiences, our own expertise and knowledge, and bring it all together. Can't wait."