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And Meninga's appraisal was last night supported by 1981 foundation Immortal John Raper, who said Inglis will move a step closer to greatness if he dominates the Blues in Origin I at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

Inglis stands on the cusp of Origin immortality, with the in-form Queensland centre needing just one try to surpass Maroons stalwart Dale Shearer (12 tries in 26 games) as the greatest tryscorer in the event's 32-year history.

Meninga is the frontrunner to be named the code's eighth Immortal in September and the Maroons master coach says Inglis is on course to join Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Graeme Langlands, Reg Gasnier, Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson and Raper in the elite group.

And Meninga's appraisal was last night supported by 1981 foundation Immortal John Raper, who said Inglis will move a step closer to greatness if he dominates the Blues in Origin I at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

Inglis stands on the cusp of Origin immortality, with the in-form Queensland centre needing just one try to surpass Maroons stalwart Dale Shearer (12 tries in 26 games) as the greatest tryscorer in the event's 32-year history.

Meninga is the frontrunner to be named the code's eighth Immortal in September and the Maroons master coach says Inglis is on course to join Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Graeme Langlands, Reg Gasnier, Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson and Raper in the elite group.

Asked if Inglis could one day be crowned an Immortal, Meninga said: "Absolutely. For mine, I can't see any reason why Greg won't rise to that status.

"He really is playing extraordinary football for Souths.

"The thing is he's still got so much football ahead of him. He's in great shape and he is more professional than he has ever been.

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Inglis destined for immortality: Mal