The annual Harvey Norman All Stars clash is more than just a pre-season exhibition game; it’s a proving ground, a source of pride, and a catalyst for career momentum. For Rabbitohs back-rower Tallis Duncan, the 2025 All Stars game against the Māori was precisely that, launching him into a breakout season and solidifying his place as a key player in South Sydney’s lineup.
Duncan’s rise is a testament to the opportunity the All Stars game provides, according to Rabbitohs playmaker Cody Walker. “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 said. He went on to explain how Duncan “stamped himself as a future star” against a formidable Māori forward pack featuring James Fisher-Harris, Leo Thompson, and Briton Nikora, before going on to play all 24 matches for the Rabbitohs last season.
The impact of the All Stars game extends beyond on-field performance. Walker believes it instills confidence, both in the players themselves and in the eyes of their coaches. “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. 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.”
For Duncan, the game carries a deeply personal significance. A Wonnarua man from the Hunter Valley, the 23-year-old is proud to represent his Aboriginal heritage, honoring his father Kaine and 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 said. He revealed a poignant layer to his motivation, explaining that representing his culture is particularly meaningful for his grandfather. “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 journey to this point has been fueled by a lifelong admiration for the All Stars game and its participants. “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. He emphasized the holistic value of the week surrounding the game, stating, “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.” The experience, he added, has been invaluable for his development. “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.”
The All Stars game also served as a confidence booster heading into the regular season. “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.”
While Walker won’t be taking the field this year due to injury concerns – “Unfortunately, with my age I just can’t take the risk,” the 36-year-old explained – he remains deeply connected to the spirit of the game. He described the All Stars camp as a “really special” experience that makes him “feel really proud to be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander man.” He acknowledged the intensity of the match, noting it’s “not a trial match, it is a rep game and neither side wants to lose out of passion.”
Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray has also observed Duncan’s growth, noting his commitment and gratitude for the opportunity he’s been given. Murray, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, said he’s eager to play alongside Duncan in the backrow once he returns to the field. “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 said. “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 2026 All Stars game promises to continue its tradition of showcasing talent and celebrating Indigenous culture, with players like Tallis Duncan poised to build on the foundation laid in previous years. The game’s impact extends far beyond the scoreboard, fostering pride, confidence, and a sense of belonging for players and communities alike.
