'He deserves congratulations': Greg Inglis defends James Roberts after 'appalling' Ben Ikin comments
Souths legend Greg Inglis has thrown his support around James Roberts, slamming comments made by former Origin star Ben Ikin around NRL players' mental health.
Inglis, who has endured his own mental health struggles, said Roberts "deserves congratulations" after making the decision to check himself into rehab last week.
However, the 2014 Souths premiership star had some choice words for former Queensland Origin player Ben Ikin who suggested that NRL stars who struggle with mental health should resort to "park footy" in an article for Fox Sports.
''I saw some comments by Ben Ikin that were appalling,'' Inglis told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Inglis unloaded on former Origin star Ben Ikin for his 'appalling' comments regarding NRL stars' mental health Getty
''That players who can't handle the pressure should go back to park football. That's very disappointing and sends the wrong message to people who are struggling. It lacks thought.
"It lacks compassion. I know, I can speak from experience."
Inglis admitted that his own mental health battle is a daily struggle, and congratulated Roberts for taking a pro-active step in order to address his own struggles.
''I don't speak out about things I don't know about but I can speak about this," he said.
James Roberts took the pro-active step of checking himself into a rehabilitation facility last week Getty
"I can tell you and players about going to rehab and the benefits. I've lived every day of it.
"I think what James has done is something he should be proud of. There is no shame in seeking help.
''He is fortunate that he has Wayne (Bennett, Souths coach) in his corner and I want him to know that he has me for support if he needs it when he gets out.
"I really think he deserves congratulations. In the old days, people would keep this kind of thing secret (and) be ashamed."
Greg Inglis says James Roberts should be congratulated for checking himself into rehab AAP
Inglis also credited former Origin teammate Darius Boyd for being a trail blazer for NRL players addressing their mental health issues rather than suppressing them.
''Darius Boyd really helped with changing that, and if I can help James or any others I want to do that. We don't just have to suck it up and be tough any more," he said.
"For people to send that message is wrong. You know, James never looked in better shape than he did when he came back from pre-season but he clearly had other things going on.
"I'm proud he has taken the steps he has and we should be there for him when he needs it. I know I will be.''
