Gorden Tallis’s set of 6: Sam Burgess hit on Joe Ofahengaue should be legal

THIS Australian team should be dominated by Queenslanders because we are the dominant state at the moment says Gorden Tallis.

The Australian team during the national anthem before the rugby league Test Match between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello

1. BLUES DON’T DESERVE ROOS

I AM hearing complaints from Sydney about what Mal Meninga’s selections for Australia could be when he names the team for the trans-Tasman Test tomorrow and they are obviously coming from people who don’t know Mal well. Do not bother questioning a coach with a record like Mal. I played in Australian teams dominated by New South Welshman because they were the dominant state at the period. This Australian team should be dominated by Queenslanders because we are the dominant state at the moment. New South Wales have won one series in 10 years so maybe they should get one out of every 10 players picked for the Kangaroos.

Proud Maroons Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston, Darius Boyd and Matt Gillett wearing the green and gold of Australia. Picture: Brett Costello

2. MORGAN THE MAN

MICHAEL Morgan is not just a bolter for Australia anymore, he is the obvious choice to be the Kangaroos No. 14. Morgan is playing so well at the moment he can secure that No. 14 jersey with a strong performance for Australia. It is his to claim.

Cowboys playmaker Michael Morgan. Picture: Getty Images

3. BRONCOS MUST STOP SOOKING

THE Broncos talking about tactics from other teams actually shows those tactics are getting to them. I don’t think sides are as dirty as the Broncos think. The Broncos’ rivals could be talking about being the victims of dirty tactics. By the way, Brisbane have a player named Adam Blair who revels in that environment. It is flattering for Brisbane that teams are trying to bash them out of it but don’t whinge because teams then know their methods are making an impact.

4. NOTHING WRONG WITH SAM’S SHOT

I WOULD have made the same tackle on a player lying down that Sam Burgess did. I was sitting on the couch with family and friends, several of whom had played at a high level, when that tackle happened. We all disagreed on whether it was dirty or not. But how many times have we all complained about players laying down in voluntary tackles? I tell you right now, you will think twice about a voluntary tackle after being hit by Burgess while lying down. That is a way to stop it. That is an example of a player taking it into his own hands. In the NRL it is all about using your skill-set. Sam Burgess’s skill set is aggression.

A melee breaks out after a Sam Burgess hit on Joe Ofahengaue.

5. STOP WASTING TIME

HERE is a way to stop the time wasting players who take dives in rugby league. If a player is lying down after an alleged high shot, he must come off the field. That would ensure a lot of players get on with the game unless they are genuinely hurt. A penalty wouldn’t be worth losing a key player for a concussion test.

6. NRL POLICY NEEDS CHECK-UP

THE NRL needs independent doctors to make concussion tests and assess in-game injuries. Coaches will always try to manipulate the system but an independent doctor can take a lot of perceived manipulation out of the game.

Originally published as Gorden Tallis’s set of 6: Sam Burgess hit on Joe Ofahengaue should be legal