All Stars Impact: How Indigenous Representation Fueled Tallis Duncan’s Rise in the NRL
The annual All Stars match isn’t just a showcase of talent; it’s a critical launching pad for emerging players, particularly those from Indigenous backgrounds. Rabbitohs playmaker Cody Walker believes the rise of back-rower Tallis Duncan after representing his Indigenous heritage in last year’s All Stars demonstrates the profound impact of this fixture.
Duncan firmly established himself as a player to watch during the 2024 All Stars game, delivering a standout performance against a formidable Māori forward pack featuring James Fisher-Harris, Leo Thompson, and Briton Nikora. He subsequently played in all 24 matches for the South Sydney Rabbitohs last season, a testament to the confidence gained from that initial exposure.
“If you know Tallis, he is a quite a reserved and quiet kid, but I think these games give players who don’t have the profile or the experience an opportunity to showcase their skills,” Walker explained. “We saw how much first grade Tallis played last year after debuting in All Stars. He came a long way last year and he is now one of the go-to backrowers at the club.”
The All Stars Catalyst
The All Stars game provides a unique platform for players to gain invaluable experience against high-caliber opposition. According to Walker, this opportunity is crucial for building confidence and attracting the attention of coaches. “This is why All Stars is so important. It gives players like Tallis and other up-and-comers an opportunity to face some decent opposition, and we have seen how much it has benefited Tallis. I’m sure it gives coaches the confidence and trust to pick them in the NRL.”
Walker, who himself was limited to just 11 matches last season due to a series of calf injuries, attended the Indigenous team camp in Sydney on Monday night, though he will not be participating in the game. “Unfortunately, with my age I just can’t take the risk (of injury),” the 36-year-old stated. “I love these camps, they are really special and they make you feel really proud to be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander man. It is one of those really special weeks that I love to be a part of. But it’s not a trial match, it is a rep game and neither side wants to lose out of passion. The game is fast, and the first 10 minutes are really, really fast, so the risk of injury is quite high at my age.”
Despite his inability to play, Walker remains deeply connected to the Indigenous All Stars team, hoping for another opportunity to represent his heritage before retirement. “Fingers crossed I get the chance to put on the jersey again before I retire.”
A Legacy of Pride: Tallis Duncan’s Journey
While Walker’s playing days in the All Stars may be winding down, Duncan is poised to become a mainstay of the Indigenous team for years to come. The 23-year-old, a Wonnarua man from the Hunter Valley, carries a profound sense of pride in representing his Aboriginal heritage, a legacy passed down through his father, Kaine, who named him after rugby league legend Gorden Tallis, and his grandfather, Bob.
“It is something I am very passionate about. Playing in this game not only makes me proud but it makes my dad proud and my pop proud,” Duncan shared. “For my pop, things haven’t always been easy, but it is something that he wanted us to be proud of – maybe because he sort of couldn’t when he was a young man. I know that it makes him proud and it makes him happy to celebrate his culture as well.”
Duncan’s dream of playing in the All Stars game was nurtured from a young age, watching players he idolized – including Jack Wighton, Josh Add-Carr, and Nicho Hynes – take the field. “A lot of people I idolised growing up played in this game. Now I get to play in it, and it is something I don’t take for granted,” he said. “This is not just about the game, it is about the week, and ever since last year I have been looking forward to this game and I am so happy I got picked again. I think it has helped me a lot, just being around the calibre of players that are in this squad and learning from them but also coming up against a really good forward pack. It was a big moment for me last year, one of my first times playing at a representative level and it gave me a lot of confidence going into the year. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to versing them again.”
Murray Praises Duncan’s Development
Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray observed Duncan’s growth throughout last season, even while sidelined with an Achilles injury, and was impressed by his maturity and dedication. Murray, anticipating his return in the third round of the Pre-season Challenge against Manly in Mudgee, expressed his excitement about playing alongside Duncan in the backrow.
“Ever since he came to the club he has been one of the most committed young fellas I have seen come through and I guess one of the guys to show the most gratitude for the opportunity he got gifted, which he grabbed with both hands,” Murray noted. “There is nothing he won’t do for you out there on the field, you know he has always got your back, so it has been really nice to see him develop as a first grader and build some more confidence with some really good performances.”
The All Stars game, therefore, serves as more than just a pre-season fixture; it’s a powerful symbol of cultural pride and a vital stepping stone for the next generation of NRL stars like Tallis Duncan.
