Tallis has since spoken to NRL powerbrokers about his desire to join Walters on the Ashes series. He was told the decision not to hire him as cultural attaché was not a personal criticism, and he could be considered for a different role.
The conversations have turned over the weekend, with the NRL now considering appointing Tallis to an assistant coaching role. His last coaching job was with South Sydney nearly a decade ago, as a defensive consultant.
Tallis was asked about the issue on Triple M’s Sunday Sin Bin and expressed his willingness to do whatever was necessary if given the nod to join the touring party.
“I’m pretty sure you’d be a bit of everything,” Tallis said on Triple M. “You’d be at training every day, you’d look at video, help out the players, try to mentor … try to keep it light and relaxing off the field. If you’ve got to run the water or do whatever, I’m pretty sure that’s what you’d do.”
The trip to England has been organised for months, with Walters agreeing to the plan originally signed off by former coach Mal Meninga which will see the Kangaroos based in London for the first two weeks training out of the prestigious Harrow School fields.
Gorden Tallis giving advice to the Queensland Origin players back in 2018.Credit: Getty
The NRL still needs to finalise the coaching staff. With Tallis in the box seat to be one of the assistants, the NRL has asked Walters to consider one of the Australian coaches in the Super League, including Willie Peters, Adrian Lam, John Cartwright and Brad Arthur.
Walters originally wanted Broncos assistants Trent Barrett and Ben Te’o to join the Kangaroos coaching staff, but has been told the NRL will not budge on its position of avoiding coaches with ties to NRL teams.
Tallis represented the Kangaroos on 16 occasions (including three during the Super League rebel competition). Walters has 12 Tests for Australia to his name. Tallis was contacted for comment.