Queensland legend hints to his
future

Brisbane Broncos skipper and former Kangaroo, Gorden Tallis, has given his strongest indication yet that 2004 will be his final year in rugby league.

Tallis, who was representing the Broncos at the World Sevens in Sydney, admitted there was a "big chance" he would retire at the end of the year, having already stepped down from representative commitments with the Kangaroos and Queensland.

"Obviously my focus and mindset at this stage of the year is different from other years," Tallis said.

"It's the first time I've looked at the season and got a couple of weeks off.

"It's pretty hard playing and backing up all the time. I'm a bit older, plus I want to enjoy it and play consistently for the Broncos."

When asked if this could be his last year, Tallis replied: "Big chance. I come off contract at the end of the year and there's no guarantee. The game is getting harder and faster and I'm just keen to go out there and play. Who knows what will happen at the end of the year?

"This is the longest I've trained without playing so I'm looking forward to it."

The former Queensland captain said he had not thought about how he would cope with not playing State of Origin.

"Origin is a bridge I will cross when I come to it. I don't think it's going to be that bad.

"The good thing is I've got to play a week after, that is the only positive," he said.

"I know I'm going to miss it but all the frustration that I build up not playing I can get it out on the Friday night or whatever.

"When the game's on I'll probably be at the Caxton (hotel) like everyone else having a bit of fun, supporting Queensland.

"They're very tough games and I know you miss the occasion but you don't miss the game itself because its so bloody tough, getting harder and harder to back up from."

Brisbane were eliminated in pool play at the sevens yesterday with their only victory coming at the expense of the New Zealand Residents team, 40-8, on Saturday.