LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
South Sydney forward Tallis Duncan, who was born after Cathy Freeman's iconic gold medal win in 2000, is thrilled to have the opportunity to meet her this weekend during the NRL's Gadhu Gathering at Allianz Stadium.
The event will feature three matches over three days as part of the celebration of Indigenous Round, with the Rabbitohs set to face the Eels on Saturday night.
Club legend Greg Inglis will lead the team onto the field, while Freeman will ring the club's legacy bell as they make their entrance into Allianz Stadium.
The 2000 Sydney Olympics hero previously celebrated with the Rabbitohs following their 2014 grand final victory, sharing a moment with Inglis that she later described as "the best sporting moment of my life."
"It's one of those moments that you've got to pinch yourself because you're looking at an Indigenous Australian icon," Duncan remarked on Monday, reflecting on his excitement despite being born two years after Freeman's legendary performance.
"I've only seen her on murals and walls and in YouTube videos, so that's something that's pretty special and makes you look at how far I've come on my journey to be able to be run out by 'GI' and to have Cathy ring the bell. It's pretty cool.
"(Winning gold) is something you learn about growing up. You see the run and that was amazing, but then you learn a bit about what was behind it and there was a bit more going on than just the run."