Ahead of ‘R U OK Day’, rugby league star Greg Inglis is urging families to have important conversations about mental health.

The Rabbitohs captain has had a rough trot recently with injuries ahead of a must-win semi-final clash, but more importantly, he’s faced battles with mental health.

Inglis has spoken openly about his past struggles with mental illness and is now encouraging everyone to do the same and help break the stigma.

“It still blows me away, you know going through what I went through – I put my hand up, I admitted to mental health issues,” Inglis tells Ray Hadley.

“One in two Australian men have mental issues throughout their life… it’s actually quite embarrassing that we don’ t really put ourselves forward.”

Inglis says he is “humbled and grateful” by the support and the messages he’s received since opening up about his struggles.

“I didn’t think that I could actually change other people’s lives.”

An emotional Ray has thanked Inglis for his bravery, saying “you’ve touched the lives of people with the discussions you’ve had”.

“We are all touched by it, either directly or indirectly through our friends and our family.

“I just can’t express to you enough my thanks to you as a father for what you’ve done, it’s very, very important mate.”

“Young fellas like you can make a difference,” says Ray.

Click PLAY below to hear the full emotional interview