Gordon Tallis told about 100 at the April Full Time Club gathering at Mooloolaba Surf Club that a career as a Rugby League coach was not on his agenda.
“I’m enjoying what I’m doing at the moment far too much to ever contemplate the demands of an NRL coach,” said the former Broncos, Queensland and Australian captain.
However, Tallis did assure South Sydney fans that – as part time forwards coach for the Rabbitohs – better things were in store for the grand old club.
“John Lang has been terrific and while he is a strict disciplinarian, he still allows the guys to be themselves,” said Tallis. “I am certainly enjoying my role much more under Langy. He lets me do my own thing with the players and I really appreciate and respect that.”
Tallis also lauded Souths co-owner Russell Crowe and revealed that, contrary to popular opinion, he did not meddle in the day to day conduct of the football team.
“Russell is one of the most generous people I have met, and a real good bloke too,” said the man nicknamed the “Raging Bull”.
“But he never interferes in team selections or what the coaching staff does. He loves the club and is simply a passionate Souths supporter who has the financial resources to own his favourite footy team.”
Tallis touched on the many stormy relationships in his career, including those with Bill Harrigan, Phil Gould and Wayne Bennett, and said that among the biggest thrills from the game was leading to victory in 2001 a Queensland State of Origin side with 10 debutantes.
“We had been humiliated by NSW the year before, even to the extent where they threw hand grenades at us in a post try celebration. It was one of the worst feelings I had in the game,” he said.
“Wayne Bennett went with a group of kids for the first game in 2001 – including Lote Tuqiri, Chris Walker, John Buttegieg, Petero Civoniceva, Carl Webb, Brad Meyers and John Doyle, and we smashed the Blues 34-16.
“Talk about a group of young blokes bringing enthusiasm and self-belief to a team. I still look back on that as one of my proudest moments.”
The next Full Time Club will be held on June 10, at Mooloolaba Surf Club, from 5pm to 7pm. A $20 fee includes two complimentary drinks, finger food and a lucky door prize. Bookings can be made with Tegan Meyers, tegan@menofleague.com.
Tony Durkin
Gordon Tallis with Rugby League great Norm Provan at the Full Time Club on 8th April 2010