Tallis Duncan – Family First
21 year old Tallis Duncan made his NRL debut for the Rabbitohs in round 13 this year. This was a reward for a young bloke who was destined to play first grade.
Tallis is a talented, tough, hard working footy player who earned his place in the top grade. He is South Sydney first grade player number #1190.
Head Coach Jason Demetriou only needed to see a few NRL games from Tallis. He was then convinced that his young star needed to be included in the Rabbitohs 17 each week. JD told Bunnies TV “He’s earned the right to keep his spot…his effort areas are outstanding and he’s got some real talent with the ball in his hands, great feet and he’s got good skill.”
A Proud Family
In 2021 Tallis told Bunnies TV that’s he’s proud of his family and I can tell you without hesitation that they are indeed very proud of him too.
Tallis signed with the Rabbitohs until 2025 and said he “couldn’t be in a better place…my whole family was really proud of me and mum was crying”.
The Duncan family all played important roles in their boys success on and off the field.
The first thing you notice when speaking to Tallis is that he’s humble and polite. He’s well mannered and always respectful. Mum, dad and his 3 older siblings can all take some credit for the gentleman we see today.
The Duncans
Dad Kaine is a Navy diver who loves his footy. He called his youngest son Tallis after Gordon Tallis the rampaging Maroons Origin legend.
Mum Nat would not hesitate to drive young Tallis on regular 3 hour round road trips to rep footy training.
Tallis toughening up began soon after he learned to walk. Knee footy at home on the carpet with big brothers Kye, Ryan and big sis Riley left little ‘Tal’ with bloody knees and also the occasional hole in the wall.
“It wasn’t just my brothers roughing me around, it was my sister too”.
The Try
In round 19, Tallis 2nd game in first grade saw him score his 1st try and it was an absolute beauty. We got to see the ‘great feet and real talent with the ball in his hands’ as Tallis burst through the Bulldogs defence late in the game.
With defenders closing in, Tallis passed the ball to skilful rookie hooker Peter Mamouzelos. Pete summed up the situation beautifully. He passed the ball back to Tallis who then found himself in the clear with no one in front of him. Tallis showed everyone that he can run as he sprinted away to score a memorable try.
It was undoubtedly a moment that Tallis, his family and Souths fans with never forget.
NSW Cup Grand Final
On Sunday 24th September at 3pm, Tallis will start at lock for the Rabbitohs when they battle the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup Grand Final at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta.
If you live in Sydney then don’t miss this historic clash. The Rabbitohs have not won a reserve grade title for 40 years.
Tickets available online only here.
This article was created for The Rabbitoh by Marco Sivis.
Tallis Duncan – Family First.
By Steve Mavin for Bunnies TV.
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