http://www.news.com.au/sundaytelegraph/story/0
THE weed-infested Macleay River is the unlikeliest spring for freakish footballing talent.
But having tossed up Greg Inglis last year, the same brown waters are again bubbling with a new generation of stars raised from the same well as the NRL's hottest prospect.
After claiming every touch football title available to them this year, a young team made up entirely of Inglis' relatives has thrust the Mid-North Coast town of Kempsey to the edge of becoming league's greatest nursery.
In March, the all-Aboriginal side was crowned national under-20 champions at the Australian titles in Coffs Harbour.
Last weekend they doubled up, laughing and jinking their way past 15 rivals to the state title at Port Macquarie.
Three of all-conquering side – brothers Mikey and Richard Davis and Malcolm Webster Jr – are Inglis' cousins.
But co-coach Malcolm Webster Sr – the Melbourne Storm star's uncle – confirmed the family tree's roots extend throughout the entire team.
"It goes on and on and on . . . everyone is related somehow," he said. "I don't think it's really sunk in what they've achieved. They are the best team in NSW and Australia and they're still the same, mucking about together everyday."
Accordingly, there was no gala celebration to mark the historic double for a team that arrived at last weekend's titles in the local Aboriginal health services bus.
Instead of a civic reception, the boys were last night treated to their pick of the Kempsey Macleay RSL's delectable smorgasbord. "We'll probably bring $20 along each and order up big," said Webster Sr yesterday.
Before gobsmacking the NRL, Inglis tuned his masterful skills in touch beside the older members of the current team.
They spent endless days together at nearby Crescent Head beach or "down the river" honing their already outlandish natural talents.
Mikey Davis, 20, also attended John Hunter Sports High in Newcastle with his more illustrious cousin. He maintains any of the team could emulate Inglis but the town's anti-social honeypot of high unemployment and binge drinking is a significant barrier.
"I grew up with Greg and never expected him to be as far high up as he is now," Davis said. "If he can get there from Kempsey, we can too.
"A lot of boys in this town have the potential – it's just that they hang out with the wrong type of people.
"There's nothing to do in this town, so this keeps us occupied. To be honest, I'd probably be up to trouble if it wasn't for footy."
While Inglis is a magnet for new fans, his achievements also double as a repellent for his longest-serving admirers.
According to Webster Sr, Inglis' deeds have switched the boys off "running amok in the street". "Greg always had talent oozing out of his body but most of the boys have the same talent," he said.
"The only difference is Greg was more disciplined with his sporting career. There's no difference in talent or ability.
"'Greg has been an inspiration for all the boys in this touch side to make it in the NRL."