Gorden Tallis and Laurie Daley fire up in heated AFL-NRL argument
The Queensland Maroons and NSW Blues greats went at it in an unexpected clash over the AFL.
NRL greats Gorden Tallis and Laurie Daley have entered into a heated and rather bizarre on-air debate over whether rugby league or AFL is the bigger code in Australia. Tallis appeared to be harbouring some frustration towards Daley after his comments the night before on another program saw him claim AFL was the bigger sport in Australia.
And Tallis let his feelings known in a surprise call out of the Blues great. "Are you OK?" Tallis asked Daley out of the blue on NRL 360. "Me? What do you mean?" a stunned Daley asked.
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Tallis then launched into Daley over his comments on a rival code. "You on the Back Page last night saying AFL is bigger and better than us and the No. 1 game?" he added. Daley doubled down and claimed that the MCG receives 100,000 people for an AFL game most weeks and even in Sydney the SCG records solid crowds.
This didn't sit well with Tallis. "Well the two states I live in, I wouldn’t know a GWS player, or a Gold Coast Sun and every kid in Queensland knows more Dolphins," he said. "You’ve got to be No. 1 around the country, not just Melbourne."
Daley wasn't having it and hit back with the claim the West coast of Australia does not recognise NRL the same way. "We can go to New Zealand. What about their international game?" Tallis hit back.
The pair's heated argument came out of nowhere, which prompted host Braith Anasta to step in. "Are you guys sweet?" he asked, before Tallis responded: "Yeah I just got a bit dirty with old-mate backing another code."
Fans were surprised by the sudden code war battle - despite both being currently overshadowed by the Matildas' historic run in the Women's World Cup - and weighed-in on the debate. Many agreed with Tallis' passion, while others weren't buying into the comparisons.
I love Gordie's defence of Rugby League. Love it. The Raging Bull would never talk up a rival code. His smack down of Laurie Daley was unscripted, authentic and genuine. Took Loz by surprise. The game needs more of Tallis' passion, advocating its product #NRL360 #RugbyLeague #NRL pic.twitter.com/uuzT0cZvmU
— Daniel Watson Hayes™ (@dwatsonhayes) August 17, 2023
Disagree, thought it was childish and made gordie and league look insecure. Unprofessional to chuck a co-host under the bus like that too.
NRL just needs to run it’s own race, the best brands in the world don’t worry about what others are doing.— Future Immortal (@footy_park) August 17, 2023
Me too!
Not usually a fan of Tallis but this was so great to see him sticking up for RL and giving it to Laurie Daley.
AFL personalities would never promote another code like that.
Was surprised at Laurie talking the game down and giving out false stats as well…— Duke25 (@Duke2517) August 17, 2023
Why do NRL fans get so angry about other codes ?
— Greg (@WilburMNC) August 17, 2023
Matildas TV numbers stun Aussie audience
While Tallis and Daley argue over the significance of each code, there is no doubting the Matildas have become the nation's team. The Seven Network revealed on Thursday morning that a staggering peak of 11.15 million viewers turned in to watch the blockbuster showdown, with an average of 7.13 million.
The bonkers figure breaks the all-time record of 8.8 million who watched Cathy Freeman's iconic gold medal run in the 400m at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. The Seven Network also said 957,000 viewers watched on their streaming service 7plus, which also broke a record.
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