Tallis Joins Coaching Staff for 2009-10
25th November 2008
South Sydney have appointment of former Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia captain Gorden Tallis as forwards coach for the 2009 and 2010 NRL seasons. Tallis, who played for Queensland 20 times and Australia 11 times before retiring from the game in 2004, joins head coach Jason Taylor and assistant coach Mark Ellison on the Rabbitohs' coaching staff while juggling his commentary duties for Fox Sports.
"I'm just really excited about having the opportunity to work with one of the most famous clubs in rugby league," Tallis said. "I'm really looking forward to working with (Rabbitohs captain) Roy Asotasi and the exciting young players at the club. I'm also looking forward to being amongst the team environment again. It's something I've missed since I retired, and I can't wait to be part of the Rabbitohs' coaching team headed by Jason Taylor."
Rabbitohs chief executive Shane Richardson said the inclusion of Tallis on the coaching staff strengthened the club's football department. "Our coaching staff now has some of the brightest and most-respected young coaches in the game, and our football administration staff has previously been bolstered by the addition of (NRL premiership-winning coach) John Lang as our football manager," Richardson said. "We believe Gorden can instil a mental toughness and skill set that will strengthen our pack. We now have in place a structure that we believe can ensure a successful football team."
Jason Taylor said he was thrilled to have Tallis join his coaching team. "He has always had a passionate approach to the game and he was a highly respected player at the Broncos, (St George) and for Queensland and Australia," Taylor said. "I'm really impressed with his insights into the game, and I think he will add a lot to us, particularly our forward pack and our younger players."