Walters wants Gorden Tallis as his Kangaroos’ cultural attache. The NRL is set to say no

The NRL is set to reject a request from Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters to appoint former Australian representative Gorden Tallis to his support staff as a cultural figurehead.

Walters wanted his former Broncos teammate to join the party travelling to England for the end-of-season Ashes series to work with the Kangaroos players about what it means to wear the green and gold.

The proposed role was to focus on the culture and history of the Kangaroos, aimed at galvanising the team in the three-Test series that starts at Wembley Stadium on October 25. Tallis is a former Australian captain and one of the country’s most passionate former players.

Sources with knowledge of the situation talking on the condition of anonymity said the NRL didn’t believe the role was necessary and believe Walters has the credentials to educate the players on what it means to represent Australia.

Tallis was recently outspoken on international eligibility and doesn’t believe players who represent other nations should be eligible to play State of Origin.

Walters has also asked to have Broncos assistant coaches Trent Barrett and Ben Te’o join the Kangaroos coaching staff, but the NRL is leaning towards a different position.

The NRL, which overlooked Wayne Bennett for the head coaching role due to his role as South Sydney’s head coach, is reluctant to appoint assistant coaches employed with NRL clubs either.

Tallis represented the Kangaroos on 16 occasions (including three during the Super League rebel competition). Walters has 12 Tests for Australia to his name.

The news of Tallis’ rejection comes amid a push for Walters to appoint two Super League-based coaches to his staff as the Australian Rugby League Commission move towards finalising the touring party.

It has put Hull KR coach Willie Peters, who has led his team to the top of the Super League, and former Kangaroos assistant coach Adrian Lam (currently at Leigh Leopards), Brad Arthur (Leeds Rhinos) and John Cartwright (Hull FC) in the frame to join Walters at the helm.

Sydney Roosters assistant coach Justin Holbrook, who was Mal Meninga’s assistant at the Kangaroos last year, could be overlooked due to his NRL club connection.