Gorden Tallis is a former Brisbane and Queensland great of the game. Known as the “Raging Bull” for his tenacious and aggressive style of play, Tallis would become one of the best second row forwards in the NRL. Now working in the media like so many ex-greats of the game, Tallis sets himself apart by his no-nonsense punditry and forthright demeanour.
Tallis debuted for the St George Dragons in 1992 before arriving at the Brisbane Broncos in 1997. Here he would create a formidable legacy, playing in three winning Grand Final sides in 1997 (super league), 1998 and 2000. He would also take out the Clive Churchill medal for best player on ground in 1998.
Tallis was a player who was a natural leader on the field who would terrorise opposition teams in attack and monster them in defence. His leadership qualities would eventually be acknowledged after being named captain of the Broncos in 2001 after the retirement of Kevin Walters. Tallis would also become a cornerstone in representative football, and consistently among the first selected for both Queensland and Australia squads. Tallis made 17 appearances for his beloved Queensland and 13 appearances for Australia. He was also selected as captain for both sides of numerous occasions until his representative retirement in 2003.
A polarising figure in his playing days, Tallis’s post playing career has been no different. The Raging Bull’s media career has seen him gain a reputation as an honest media personality who is not afraid to say what he thinks, often putting many people offside with his comments. This includes roles on radio for Triple M and on television with Fox Sports. In his post-playing career, Tallis has also been a member of South Sydney’s coaching staff, as well as served as a board member for both the North Queensland Cowboys and the NRL.
