Gorden Tallis backs Kevin Walters to restore pride in Broncos jersey
Club legend Gorden Tallis featured in three Broncos premierships in 1996, 1997 and 2000 yet he has reached further back in history for his favourite jersey of all time.
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It’s the sad state of affairs which has tarnished the once revered Broncos jersey but club great Gorden Tallis has backed Kevin Walters to guide Brisbane through one of the toughest periods in club history.
Speaking with NewsCorp Australia for this week’s launch to reveal every club’s best jersey, Fox League commentator Tallis took a trip down memory lane on his favourite playing strips as well as his assessment of the current state of the Broncos.
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It comes after a disheartening weekend at Red Hill, following their 34-18 trial loss to the Cowboys and reports of a ruction with a Brisbane Old Boy and assistant coach.
The “Raging Bull” played in three premiership-winning Broncos sides and admitted it was “disappointing” to see his old club claim the wooden spoon in 2020.
However, he has backed Walters to lead a Red Hill resurgence but warned it wouldn’t happen overnight.
“Kevvie was the brains for us when we were playing and it was a great style of footy that we played and rugby league hasn’t changed that much since,” Tallis said.
“The players just have to buy in.
“Where they were last year to here, they’ve got no other option but to buy in with Kevvie.”
Tallis returned to Broncos HQ over the pre-season to address the current playing group and reflect on the proud history of the club.
“I went back to the club as an ex-captain during the pre-season and gave the boys a bit of a speech,” he said.
“There’s a really good buzz and the camaraderie is there.
“That’s what Kevvie is really good at.
“Kevvie might love a joke but there’s no more serious guy when it comes to rugby league and winning.”
Tallis played 160 games in some of the most iconic Broncos kits, including the 1997, 1998 and 2000 premiership winning jerseys.
He has worn the Broncos Super League strip and the revered Ergon Energy-sponsored jersey that saw the club through to the 2000 NRL Grand Final.
However, the Broncos legend admitted it was the club’s original strip which he found most appealing.
“I love the Broncos original jersey too – nothing beats the original,” he said.
“There’s a lot of jerseys I like but I’d probably have to throw the North Sydney jersey in there.
“Honestly, over the years, every team has had a great jersey.
“I love when Penrith went to the licorice allsorts, I love the Balmain one with Philips on the front.
“The Raiders jersey with Video Ezy is another classic.”
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