South Sydney Rabbitohs star Greg Inglis will retire from the NRL at the end of 2020, while this year will be his last playing representative rugby league.

Inglis, 32, has played 261 NRL games for the Melbourne Storm and Rabbitohs since making his debut in 2005.

An Australia and Queensland star, Inglis has also featured in 39 Tests, while he has made 32 State of Origin appearances for the Maroons.

But Inglis will call it quits from representative action in 2019 before spending one more year in the NRL.

"It's what I've known. I feel like I have given everything I have to the game, and it's given me everything that I have in my life," he said in a statement on Friday.

"I've been fortunate to play with two fantastic clubs in the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Melbourne Storm.

"If it wasn't for the Storm I would not have had the chance to fulfil my life's dream.

"At the Rabbitohs, and as I've grown older, I've become a leader, a captain and a mentor to the current and next generation of young Rabbitohs to wear this proud red and green jersey.

"I've been fortunate enough to represent my country, my state, and my people and those are memories that I will cherish forever.

"To all of the coaching staff, players, family, friends, administration staff, members and fans of the game, Todd Greenberg and his team at the NRL, I want to say a massive thank you for everything that the game has given me. I owe everything to the game.

"I grew up loving the sport of rugby league, there is no other sport for me, and I've been lucky enough to live out my dream.

"Therefore, 2020 will be my last season of NRL football. By announcing this now it means I can focus on the job at hand here at South Sydney over the next two years.

"It will also be my final year of rep footy in 2019, if I'm fortunate enough to be selected, and I will give everything I have to the Australian and Queensland jerseys as I have throughout my career.

"It's time for myself to look forward and move onto my next chapter in life."

Inglis said he wanted to extend his stay at the Rabbitohs beyond his playing career, potentially in coaching or another role.