Taylor's form not up to Origin: Tallis
(Eds: Note language in 20th par)
By Justin Chadwick
PERTH, May 10 AAP - Former Queensland firebrand Gordon Tallis claims Dave Taylor hasn't done enough to warrant Queensland State of Origin selection, with the South Sydney forward's talent going to waste through a lack of dedication.
Taylor, who has battled weight and fitness problems throughout his career, played in all three Origin games last year but has struggled to live up to his undoubted potential with the Rabbitohs this season.
Tallis, in his role as Bunnies forwards coach, works closely with Taylor but fears the 22-year-old's lackadaisical approach to the game will cost him what could be a glittering career.
"I just think that it's a shame," Tallis told AAP.
"You see these players that are once-in-a-lifetime (talents) that probably don't reach their potential.
"But there's been plenty in the past and there's going to be plenty in the future.
"You think 'god, if only they got a bit fitter or they took their footy seriously or you didn't see them at the pub every Saturday night'.
"There's guys like that everywhere.
"The penny's got to drop with him (Taylor).
"I think his mum's told him, I reckon his dad's told him, I reckon everybody that knows him has told him.
"But some people are so in their comfort zone."
Tallis, a three-time premiership winner with Brisbane and an Origin great, was worried Taylor's lack of fitness would get exposed in the heat of an Origin battle.
"I'm just curious that if Queensland got injuries and they had to throw him in there and he had to tough it out for 60 or so minutes, I don't think he could do that," Tallis said.
"He's got to do a little bit more (to deserve selection).
"I think he's still growing.
"Potentially he's got to grow inside his own head and start believing the size he is.
"He's 120kg and still tries to run around blokes."
Queensland will be going for six straight Origin series victories when they lock horns with NSW in this year's series.
NSW coach Ricky Stuart claimed he would be happy to win just one game in this year, but Tallis said no one in Queensland would be fooled by that statement.
"Oh he's bullshitting," Tallis said.
"He's a super-competitive guy, he wants to win.
"He's just trying to take pressure off them.
"It's all phycological. We don't believe it."
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