Gordon Tallis signs on with South Sydney

Rugbyleaguelive.com | 25/11/08 | 0

Former Brisbane enforcer Gordon Tallis has signed on as the Rabbitohs forwards coach on a two-year deal from next season.

Tallis joins Head Coach Jason Taylor and Assistant Coach Mark Ellison on the Rabbitohs coaching staff, in the former Test and Origin skipper's first foray into professional coaching.

The position requires the three-time premiership player to stand down from his position on the board of the Cowboys, but it's believed he will be able to retain his media commitments with FOX Sports.

“I’m just really excited about having the opportunity to work with one of the most famous Clubs in Rugby League,” Tallis said.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Roy Asotasi and the exciting young players at the Club. I’m also looking forward to being amongst the team environment again.

"It’s something I’ve missed since I retired and I can’t wait to be part of the Rabbitohs coaching team headed by Jason Taylor.”

Rabbitohs Head Coach Jason Taylor says he is thrilled to have Tallis joining his coaching team.

“I’m enormously excited to have him join the coaching staff here at the Rabbitohs,” Taylor said.

“He has always had a passionate approach to the game and he was a highly respected player at the Broncos, Dragons and for Queensland and Australia.

“I’m really impressed with his insights into the game that he expresses in commentary on Fox Sports, and I think he will add a lot to us, particularly our forward pack and our younger players.”

Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson was equally effusive at the inclusion of Tallis on the Rabbitohs coaching staff, hailing it as a further strengthening of the Football Department at South Sydney.

“Our coaching staff now has some of the brightest and most-respected young coaches in the game, and our football administration staff has previously been bolstered by the addition of John Lang as our
Football Manager,” Mr Richardson said.

“We believe Gorden can instill a mental toughness and skill set that will strengthen our pack. We now have in place a structure that we believe can ensure a successful football team, one our Members can be proud of.”

I’m really looking forward to working with Roy Asotasi and the exciting young players... Gordon Tallis