In words that will be welcomed by the South Sydney faithful, coach Michael Maguire says Greg Inglis has a positive outlook despite battling depression.
The Australian and Queensland ace, who is out for the NRL season with a knee injury, last week checked into a rehabilitation facility to address mental health problems.
There has been an outpouring of support across the rugby league community for the superstar fullback and Maguire praised him as a role model for having the strength to reach out for help.
Maguire said he had spoken to Inglis and moved to assure everyone he remained in a good frame of mind.
"I've been in quite a lot of contact with Greg, he's in really good spirits," Maguire said.
"It's something Greg has chosen to do with himself. For a long time Greg has done a lot for so many things in the game and we've seen so many highlights from Greg.
"It's an opportunity for him to pause for a little bit and get himself set again."
The Rabbitohs were attempting to put the news to one side as they departed Sydney for Perth where they will take on Melbourne on Sunday.
They broke a three-game losing streak against the Tigers last week but face a far more disciplined and clinical opposition in the Storm.
Maguire said the playing group would be out to win it for their skipper as they come up against Inglis' former club.
"They've heard the news and digested the news and they know Greg's going to be watching them play," Maguire said.
"They'll be going out and performing for Greg and performing for themselves. We've got a game and we need to continue on from what we did last Friday. We've got to build on that."
The 30-year-old's future remains clouded, however Maguire was adamant he would return to rugby league in given time.
"I'd ask everyone to let it be for a while and allow Greg to go through this process and I know he will come and show us some great highlights when he comes back to football," Maguire said.
"He's working through a lot of little things."
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