How a Chat with Greg Inglis Changed a Young Rugby Player's Path
Jarrah McLeod found himself at a critical juncture in his young rugby career. The promising centre was on the verge of abandoning his scholarship at Knox Grammar and returning home to Nowra, ready to leave the sport behind. That was until he sat down for a conversation that would alter his trajectory completely.
The meeting with rugby league icon Greg Inglis proved to be the turning point McLeod needed. "I was just in the moment. It was weird seeing him, he was one of my idols growing up," McLeod recalled. "He got me to stick with it, and I went down there every week after that to have coffee with him."
From Boarding School Doubts to Brumbies Debut
Before those regular coffee sessions with Inglis, and before earning selection at inside centre for the ACT Brumbies' opening trial against the Western Force in Perth this Friday, McLeod was struggling with life at boarding school. He had nearly reached his breaking point, prepared to return to his mother Cassie and his siblings in Nowra.
The connection to Inglis came through former Shoalhaven High School deputy principal John Dyball, who linked McLeod with former Wallaby Glen Ella. This Indigenous rugby network ultimately brought the young player face-to-face with the legendary Inglis.
"When I was in school, I didn't really like it and [Dyball] got me connected with Greg Inglis," McLeod explained. "That helped me stay through school, and now, I get a couple of messages from him and talk to him."
Bursting onto the Scene
McLeod first captured attention during last year's match against the British and Irish Lions, where the previously unknown club rugby player - who had been working building decks and pergolas - showcased his talent against some of the world's best players. His performance immediately sparked discussions about his potential as a future Wallaby.
Former Wallaby Toutai Kefu, who coached the First Nations and Pasifika XV, has identified McLeod as a player to watch as the Brumbies launch their season. With Len Ikitau now playing in England, McLeod represents a potential solution to fill the void in the Brumbies' back line.
Known for his vocal presence on the field, McLeod acknowledged his loud playing style. "I'm pretty loud on the field. Normally you can hear me from across the field when I'm playing local club games. Us fellas can get a bit loud on the field," he said with a smile.
Preparing for the Perth Trial
As he prepares for Friday's trial match, McLeod remains focused on his responsibilities. "There are spots up for grabs. If I carry on doing my thing, run hard and help out the 10 [Tane Edmed], the backs, the forwards, I'm sure it will give the coaches a good spot where their heads need to be for that first kick-off," he stated.
The young centre emphasized his approach to the upcoming opportunity: "As long as I go out there and just do my job, I'll let the coaches do what they need to do for the first round. It's going to be a hell of a game, the nerves will be up there until I get into it."
Brumbies' New Look Trial Team
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has named a fresh-faced lineup for the Perth trial, with several players getting their chance to shine. Charlie Cale makes his long-awaited return at number eight after his 2025 campaign was disrupted by stress fractures.
"It's been a long process for Charlie," Larkham noted. "Even through training there was a fair bit of modification at the back end of last year to make sure he was fully ready for the start of the season. Charlie is one of those players who will be super excited to get back out there on the paddock."
The team features several new faces, including John I Dent Cup standout Chris Mickelson at hooker, Rhys van Nek deputising for injured captain Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead prop, and Harvey Cordukes starting at lock after returning from France to help Uni-Norths to a premiership last year.
In the backs, Declan Meredith gets the first opportunity to replace injured star Tom Wright at fullback, while Hudson Creighton earns a start in the number thirteen jersey vacated by Len Ikitau. McLeod will partner Creighton in the centres, forming part of a backline that includes Tane Edmed at flyhalf with Rory Scott named as captain.
Larkham expressed excitement about the emerging talent, particularly in positions where the team has lost established players. "It's those positions where we've lost some big names. They're the positions we're pretty excited to fill with some of these younger players coming through," he said.
The coach highlighted the competitive environment within the squad, though he noted it hasn't reached the intensity of recent incidents elsewhere in rugby. "We haven't had any fights or anything like that. There's certainly some competition out there on the park," Larkham observed.
As the Brumbies prepare to take on the Western Force at Perth's Scotch College, all eyes will be on how these new combinations perform, with McLeod's journey from nearly quitting rugby to starting in a trial match serving as one of the most compelling stories of the preseason.
