📰 Duncan’s ANZAC Round Extra Special

Tallis Duncan says this weekend's ANZAC Round clash with Melbourne carries extra meaning, with his father serving in the navy and watching on with his mates.

ANZAC Round Significance

With his father serving in the Australian navy, this weekend's ANZAC Round holds special significance for Tallis Duncan as the Rabbitohs prepare to face Melbourne.

The second-rower explained that the commemorative round adds an extra layer of motivation knowing his dad and colleagues will be watching. "It means a lot, it's just something that I know that him and all his boys at work look forward to, and they'll be watching so it's just a little bit of extra fight for everyone," Duncan said.

The match represents more than just another round for the 26-year-old, who described the occasion as "pretty special" given his family's connection to military service.

Melbourne Challenge

Duncan dismissed suggestions of a psychological barrier ahead of the clash with the Storm, despite South Sydney's historical struggles at AAMI Park.

The forward said he doesn't pay much attention to past results when approaching the fixture. He expressed confidence the team can identify opportunities in Melbourne's defence, with coaching staff set to analyse those areas in detail ahead of kickoff.

Duncan said the Rabbitohs approach every game on its merits and believe they can find ways to challenge the Storm this weekend.

Johnston's Milestone and Smith's Spark

Alex Johnston will bring up his 250th game for the Club this weekend, a milestone Duncan believes reflects the winger's importance to South Sydney. "He's a bit like the heart and soul of this club I reckon, he's someone that obviously there was a time where the fans fought for him to stay here and I think he's very important to the team," Duncan said.

Duncan also praised Brandon Smith's performance last weekend, particularly when the Rabbitohs were reduced to 12 men. The hooker's short-side play to set up showcased glimpses of his best form.

"That was pretty cool, when we were a man down he sort of brings that spark and that energy and he can sort of make up the difference of an extra player when he's on, because he killed it," Duncan said.

Form and Leadership

Duncan credited the people around him for his strong form this season, highlighting the tight-knit group on the Rabbitohs' right edge.

He singled out Jack Wighton's influence as particularly valuable, with the experienced centre's game management helping guide those around him. Duncan explained that Wighton has seen almost every situation multiple times through his career at the highest levels of the game.

"He's really good at keeping everyone sort of levelheaded and knows when it's time to turn it up in the game, and I'm always looking to him for advice or stuff like that," Duncan said.

The second-rower also addressed speculation about assistant coach Ben Hornby's future following news from the Dragons. Duncan backed Hornby's credentials if he chooses to pursue a head coaching role, praising his football intelligence and ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to all players.