Kevin Walters has revealed that Gorden Tallis won’t be part of his Kangaroos coaching staff for this year’s World Cup, with the Broncos legend opting to spend that time with family. Tallis was an assistant under Walters during last year’s Ashes tour, which the Kangaroos won 3-0 against England.
Tallis was initially blocked by the NRL from touring as a ‘cultural attache’, so Walters took him as an assistant coach instead. The move raised some eyebrows around the NRL world considering Tallis’ lack of recent coaching experience.
Gorden Tallis will spend time with family rather than working with the Kangaroos at the World Cup. Image: Getty
Speculation has been rife that Tallis would step down and not be part of the Kangaroos’ set-up for the end-of-year World Cup, and on Tuesday Walters confirmed the news. Walters has been retained as coach for Australia’s World Cup defence, but Tallis won’t be returning.
“Gordie told me that he won’t (be returning),” Walters said on the ‘Inside Ball’ podcast. “That’s his holiday time and family time, which is fair. He won’t be backing up this year.”
Tallis holds multiple roles in the media with Fox League and Triple M radio, as well as being a part-owner of the Gold Coast Titans. The World Cup will be held in Australia, New Zealand and PNG just two weeks after the NRL grand final, giving players and coaches little time off.
Gorden Tallis (far left) was part of the Kangaroos staff for last year’s Ashes series.
(Jess Hornby)Kevin Walters wants Ben Te’o on Kangaroos staff
Walters said he expects the majority of his other staff from last year to return, but he might also be without his other assistant Willie Peters. The current Hull KR coach was one of two assistants in the Ashes alongside Tallis, and was recently appointed as the inaugural coach of the PNG Chiefs.
With PNG set to enter the NRL competition in 2028, it remains to be seen whether Peters will continue as a Kangaroos assistant. Walters said he’s confident he’ll add Ben Te’o to his staff for the World Cup.
Te’o recently stepped down as an assistant under Michael Maguire at the Broncos to work with Billy Slater in the Queensland State of Origin squad. The Broncos weren’t willing to release Te’o for Origin camp, so he parted ways with the club.
“I’ve reached out to Ben,” Walters said. “I would imagine so (he’ll accept the offer). There’s some great people out there looking for an opportunity to coach, so we’ll get the right people.”