Tallis to help Titans search
A BRONCOS legend will help decide the Titans’ next coach with Gold Coast hierarchy last night enlisting Gorden Tallis to help choose Neil Henry’s successor.
Former Broncos enforcer Tallis will be part of a Gold Coast committee that will appoint the coach to replace Henry next season with a view to delivering the Titans’ first premiership.
The four-man panel, finalised yesterday, will include Gold Coast chief executive Graham Annesley, board member Geoff Jones and football manager Anthony Laffranchi, a foundation Titan.
But the most recognisable figure is Tallis, who is armed with one of the most decorated portfolios in rugby league.
He played 214 top-grade games as the most feared backrower of his generation, winning three premierships at Brisbane between 1997-2000 and playing 18 Tests and 20 Origin matches.
A former Queensland and Australia captain, Tallis has worked with mentors such as Wayne Bennett, Brian Smith and Chris Anderson, giving him an insight into the coaching skill-set necessary to revive the Titans. The role is not foreign to Tallis.
Ten years ago, he was a member of the Cowboys board that voted against appointing Bennett after the Broncos coach did a handshake deal with North Queensland chairman Laurence Lancini.
Tallis last night confirmed his role on the Titans selection panel that will sift through more than 15 applicants to appoint Henry’s replacement.
“I got the phone call (yesterday) and I was quite chuffed,” said Tallis.
“The most important thing is that we’re looking for a person who will be a great fit for the Titans. Simply, we just need to get the best man for the job.”
The Titans had initially discussed adding dual premiership-winning coach Chris Anderson to the committee but the plan fell through.
Anderson lives in Sydney and Titans hierarchy were keen to appoint local panellists. The panel will finalise a shortlist over the next week.