Scott Sattler has labelled the NRL’s decision to reportedly block Kevin Walters’ decision to bring in Gorden Tallis as a ‘cultural figurehead’ on the Kangaroos tour of England as ‘ridiculous’ with claims fears over a heavy Queensland influence could have swayed the decision. While Tallis has claimed he was never going for the ‘cultural’ role in the first place.
Earlier this week, the Sydney Morning Herald revealed the NRL is set to reject an application from Walters to have Tallis on his Kangaroos staff when they travel to England for the three-Test tour in October. Walters is reportedly keen to have former Broncos teammate Tallis on the tour to act as a ‘cultural figurehead’ and impart on the players the importance of wearing the green and gold. Tallis is a Kangaroos great and featured in the last Ashes tour that took place.
NRL great Scott Sattler has labelled the NRL’s decision to reportedly block Kevin Walters’ (pictured left) decision to bring in Gorden Tallis (pictured right) on the Kangaroos tour of England as ‘ridiculous’. (Images: Getty Images)
But it appears the NRL are not too keen on the decision with reports the role was not necessary. However, Panthers great Sattler has been left dumfounded having suggested Tallis’ involvement might have been viewed as one too many Queenslanders involved in the Aussie camp.
“Now I find that ridiculous, if you are the coach you can bring in your team. If they are going to be an asset to the team, for whatever reason that is,” Sattler said on SEN Radio. “Gorden Tallis would be an asset…I think he ticks a lot of boxes. Is it a fear that maybe there is too much of a Queensland angle?” Sattler added.
Super League coaches linked to Kevin Walters staff
Michael Chammas reported: “The proposed role was to focus on the culture and history of the Kangaroos, aimed at galvanising the team in the three-Test series.” But the NRL has reportedly rejected the move because the governing body “didn’t believe the role was necessary” and “believe Walters has the credentials to educate the players” himself.
The same report also claims that Walters wanted to have Broncos assistant coaches Barrett and Ben Te’o on his Kangaroos staff, but the NRL has effectively banned them as well. The NRL reportedly doesn’t want any coaches tied to NRL clubs working as Walters’ assistants, opening the door for Super League coaches to get involved.
Scott Sattler and Andrew Webster respond to the NRL stepping in over Kevvie Walters’ Australian appointments!
Should the NRL be able to decide who Kevvie hires?#NRL pic.twitter.com/tMqdOuITmm
— SEN League (@SENLeague) August 24, 2025
Reporter Andrew Webster found it baffling the idea Super League coaches could be getting involved with the Aussie set-up because the NRL has blocked Walters’ request. “I would have thought the national coach gets to pick his assistants. If you are the Australian coach, within reason, you should be able to appoint your support staff,” he said. It means Willie Peters (Hull KR coach), Adrian Lam (Leigh Leopards), Brad Arthur (Leeds Rhinos) and John Cartwright (Hull FC) are all in the frame to be on Walters’ staff.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters (pictured) has reportedly had a number of appointments to his staff blocked.
Gorden Tallis hits back over reports
Chammas and Tallis appeared to have differing views on the situation with Tallis suggesting he was never going for a cultural role in the Kangaroos camp for the Ashes. The two addressed the tension over the reports with the Broncos legend claiming it was the first he had heard of it.
“That is the first I’ve heard that I was going for cultural, when I have never done that job…I’ve been around rugby league enough, been involved in some big dressing rooms, but a culture side of it, I don’t understand what role that have been,” Tallis said on Triple M.
Braith Anasta raises concerns over Walters call
Last week, NRL 360 host Braith Anasta raised concerns over the Walters drama and suggested it was worrying the coach had apparently been stripped of his power to appoint certain staff. This comes after the coach was only granted a three-game contract to lead the Kangaroos.
“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… 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,” he said on Triple M Radio. “I don’t understand why they would knock it back. If I’m Kevvie, I’m not feeling too good about it.”