Greg Inglis's influence will last long at South Sydney with Rabbitohs players confident the retired NRL superstar can be a valuable asset in his new coaching role.
Souths players returned to training on Tuesday morning after Inglis's announcement on Monday to end his career early, eager to reflect but knowing they need to move on.
Most were shocked when Inglis told them his plans on Saturday night, with Adam Reynolds and Damien Cook admitting to watery eyes.
But they also know the dangers of emotion lingering after the early stages of the week, keen to put their mind back on football for their Good Friday clash with Canterbury.
Regardless though, players have no doubt what Inglis can bring to the club in one of his new roles as part of Wayne Bennett's coaching staff.
"He will be a massive asset because he has obviously just left the game so he understands what players are thinking at the moment and how the game is on the field," Cook said.
"Sometimes coaches might not get that understanding.
"That's probably where he can be that connection between the players and the coaches and have a different point of view."
Inglis has already been a significant influence on a number of Rabbitohs and that looks set to continue given the wealth of young outside backs at the club including Braidon Burns, Corey Allan and Campbell Graham.
Each Souths player has their own stories of watching Inglis as a youngster or advice given on their arrival.
Cook himself has admitted part of the reason he joined the Bunnies was to play with Inglis.
Others, like halfback Adam Reynolds, have recalled how Inglis helped set him up for first grade in the Queensland and Australia star's first year at the club in 2011.
"We spent a bit of time in rehab, before I made my debut I had a knee reconstruction," Reynolds said.
"I got to hang around him and Mick Crocker and see how they went about business. For me that was a big thing in learning how to be a first grader.
"Now the young boys coming through, he (Inglis) is going to be able to spend a bit more time with them and explain to them and a bit of knowledge about what it takes."
Off the field, Souths officials are considering what to do with any money left aside from the centre's retirement.
The NRL is yet to confirm how it will impact on the club's salary cap but Inglis's cousin and Brisbane centre James Roberts has already been linked to the club.
Roberts began his career at Souths but was sacked as a teenager. He has, however, since formed a close bond with Bennett.
Australian Associated Press
