Retired great Greg Inglis may be gone but he has not been forgotten by his beloved Maroons.
Coach Kevin Walters says Queensland will be playing for Inglis in the 2019 State of Origin series after it was revealed the troubled ex-skipper had checked into a mental health facility.
At the unveiling of his team for next week's series opener in Brisbane, Walters became emotional when he touched on Inglis' plight, saying the former barnstorming centre would be the Maroons' inspiration.
Inglis - the 32-year-old ex-Origin and Test superstar - played only two games this season before being forced into retirement by persistent injuries in April.
However he has struggled with life after the NRL and recently checked into a facility to undergo treatment to assist and support his mental health.
"Once you make this team, you're part of this giant family and Greg is part of this family," Walters said.
"We're feeling for Greg and the troubles he has at the moment.
"This time last year he was our captain and what a leader he was for us.
"We're feeling for Greg. He'll be in our hearts and in our minds."
Walters said he had unsuccessfully tried to reach out to Inglis but was confident South Sydney's 2014 premiership winning skipper would bounce back.
"I have tried to speak to him but he hasn't got his phone on. We wish him nothing but a speedy recovery," he said.
"But I am not worried about him because I know he has got good people around him.
"And Greg is a strong character. He will always be part of this family and we will always be there for him."
