LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Scott Sattler has criticized the NRL for allegedly blocking Kevin Walters' attempt to include Gorden Tallis as a 'cultural figurehead' on the Kangaroos tour, deeming the decision 'ridiculous'. He implied that heavy Queensland influence might have impacted this ruling, while Tallis himself stated that he was never pursuing the 'cultural' role.
Recently, the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that the NRL is likely to deny Walters' application to have Tallis join the Kangaroos staff for their upcoming three-Test tour to England in October. Walters expressed a desire for Tallis, a Kangaroos great and participant in the last Ashes tour, to serve as a cultural figure who would instill pride in wearing the green and gold.
Nevertheless, the NRL reportedly views the proposed position as unnecessary. Sattler expressed disbelief at this sentiment, suggesting it might be a reaction to the prospect of having too many Queenslanders in the Australian camp. "Now I find that ridiculous, if you are the coach you can bring in your team. If they are going to be an asset to the team, for whatever reason that is," Sattler stated on SEN Radio. "Gorden Tallis would be an asset...I think he ticks a lot of boxes. Is it a fear that maybe there is too much of a Queensland angle?"
As reported by Michael Chammas, the intended role was meant to enhance the culture and history of the Kangaroos, aimed at unifying the team during the three-Test series. However, the NRL has determined that Walters possesses the necessary qualifications to educate the players without additional support.
The same report indicates that Walters also sought the inclusion of Broncos assistant coaches Barrett and Ben Te'o in his staff, but the NRL has effectively barred them as well. The governing body is not inclined to allow any coaches affiliated with NRL clubs to assist Walters, which opens up opportunities for Super League coaches to be involved.
Reporter Andrew Webster expressed confusion about the decision, questioning why Super League coaches might be entering the Australian setup while Walters' requests are being denied. "I would have thought the national coach gets to pick his assistants. If you are the Australian coach, within reason, you should be able to appoint your support staff," he noted. This situation suggests that coaches like Willie Peters (Hull KR), Adrian Lam (Leigh Leopards), Brad Arthur (Leeds Rhinos), and John Cartwright (Hull FC) may now have the chance to join Walters' team.