Former Queensland captain Gorden Tallis says he’d join the state’s coaching staff for next year’s Origin series if asked, saying he’d find it impossible to reject the offer.
And it’s not because he’s out looking for a coaching job – he just couldn’t say no to help Queensland get the shield back after it was surrendered this year.
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Since Billy Slater resigned from the role after an upset loss at home in the decider, a number of possible replacements including Cameron Smith and Kevin Walters announced they were not interested in taking over.
But there’s one former coach who would never reject the job – Wayne Bennett.
The six-time Origin series winner said this week that he’d coach the team next year if they couldn’t find a suitable candidate.
“So he should. He’s been there before. He’s got a lot of experience,” Tallis said.
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Journalist Brent Read said South Sydney wouldn’t stand in Bennett’s way if he wanted to take back the reigns at Queensland.
His assistant at Souths, Ben Hornby, would step up while Bennett was in Origin camps.
“We know how much he loves Queensland. Wayne’s never let Queensland down, he loves the state,” Read said.
Another person who wouldn’t deny Queensland is Tallis.
He was asked what he’d say if Bennett approached him to join the Queensland coaching staff and the answer was a quick one.
“I’d never turn my back on Queensland, ever,” Tallis said.
Gorden Tallis say he would accept a coaching role at Queensland if asked.Source: FOX SPORTS
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The former Marrons skipper was the forwards coach at South Sydney in 2009 and 2010 and most recently was the assistant coach of the Kangaroos on last year’s Ashes tour.
He said if Bennett took over, the Queensland squad would be able to play with less distractions than if the QRL went with a rookie coach like a Ben Te’o or Matt Ballin who have been mentioned as possible candidates.
“Do you know how the noise gets to everybody? With Wayne’s experience, there’s no noise getting to the group. For some reason, he’s got this great filter where he takes it in, he throws all the media off the scent and he plays them,” Tallis said.
“That’s the mastership of Wayne Bennett when you’re in camp. Everything seems to be smooth sailing when he’s in there.”
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A Bennett and Darius Boyd combination has even been suggested.
Boyd is currently the head coach of the Queensland under-19 team and has publicly expressed interest in taking over the senior Maroons State of Origin job following Slater’s departure.
Read said the QRL should jump at the chance to get Bennett back in the coaching box.
“How do you say no to Wayne Bennett? It’s gutsy to say no to Wayne. How do you say no to Wayne?” Read asked.
“If Wayne puts his hand up, you go with Wayne. This is Wayne Bennett we’re talking about.”