NRL powerbrokers are reportedly considering handing Gorden Tallis a role as Kangaroos assistant, joining Kevin Walters’ coaching staff for the end-of-year Ashes tour.
That is according to the SMH, who are reporting that move comes after Walters had a request for Tallis to be a cultural leader for the tour of England denied last week.
The league legend reportedly has a desire to join Australia’s coaching ranks, and he is expected to be named an assistant as early as this week.
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The ARLC has made it clear in the past no coaches with links to NRL teams will be appointed as a member of the Kangaroos’ staff.
Tallis holds an ambassadorial role with the Gold Coast Titans, but is not currently on the club’s coaching roster, meaning he would be free to join Walters and the Australian side.
The news comes after uproar following the NRL’s decision to block Tallis’ cultural appointment.
However, Tallis has reportedly since sat down with the NRL to discuss his potential role, ending a coaching hiatus of almost a decade with his last role being with the Rabbitohs.
“I’m pretty sure you’d be a bit of everything,” Tallis said on Triple M.
“You’d be at training every day, you’d look at video, help out the players, try to mentor … try to keep it light and relaxing off the field.
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“If you’ve got to run the water or do whatever, I’m pretty sure that’s what you’d do.”
League legend Braith Anasta hit out at the decision makers after their initial decision, with Walters hopeful of having Tallis on hand to teach players the culture and history of the Australian side.
“I don’t agree with this and it’s not because I’m friends with Gordie or work with him but honestly put Gordie aside, I don’t care who he wants to take with him,” Anasta said on Triple M.
“But there’s got to be some responsibility, faith and trust in the Australian coach to take his own staff.
“It’s too much control the NRL have got over the coach. It’s a strange one.
“He’s only signed a three-game deal with the World Cup next year and then you can’t take the staff that you think is going to get the best out of your team, that’s going to make you the most comfortable.
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“Being given your own staff for an Australian team, a rep team or even a club team is not ideal, especially over a short period of time.
“I don’t understand why they would knock it back. If I’m Kevvie, I’m not feeling too good about it.”
The NRL was reportedly of the belief Walters had the knowledge and skills to give his players the cultural knowledge needed on what it means to play for the Kangaroos.
Alongside Tallis, one of four Aussie Super League coaches — Willie Peters, Adrian Lam, John Cartwright and Brad Arthur — will reportedly be appointed.
