Greg Inglis has shared insights into his mentoring aspirations for young fullback Jahream Bula, emphasizing that his involvement with the Wests Tigers will focus solely on guiding the emerging star in matters off the field. In one of his initial interviews following an unexpected presence at Tigers training alongside new coach Benji Marshall, the NRL legend unveiled details about the discussion with Marshall that paved the way for the partnership with Bula.
Inglis was captured at the club’s Concord headquarters over the past weekend, taking on a one-on-one mentoring role to assist Bula in adapting to his second year in the NRL following a stellar rookie season. Despite Inglis’s extensive efforts in expanding the outreach of his Goanna Academy to enhance the mental well-being of children and vulnerable Australians, especially in regional areas, he acknowledged that his new role is influenced by Marshall.
Although Inglis does not hold an official position within the Tigers’ football department, currently undergoing restructuring by Marshall and CEO Shane Richardson, who initially brought Inglis to the Rabbitohs over a decade ago, he does not plan to impart the nuances of fullback play to Bula or any other Tigers player at this stage.
Inglis emphasized the importance of communication in his new mentoring role, stating, “First and foremost, we had to ring the guy we were thinking about working on in Jahream. You can’t go working on somebody if they don’t want it. He’s a quiet kid.”
His approach involves steering Bula away from distractions off the field, aiming to ensure a positive and content life outside of football. Inglis believes that when one’s personal life is in good shape and brings happiness, it naturally reflects positively on the field.
Inglis expressed his willingness to offer football advice if Bula reaches out, stating, “If he rings me up and asks for tips around football, then 100 per cent I’ll give it to him.” However, both Inglis and Marshall emphasize the crucial aspect of ensuring Bula allocates time for himself and avoids spreading himself too thin. Recognizing Bula as a young player who is still developing, their primary focus is on allowing him to concentrate on his football career.
