Six Tackles With Gus

State of Origin is back and Six Tackles with Gus is live from The Locker Room at Sydney Olympic Park thanks to TAB. With kick-off only hours away across the road, Mat is joined by Phil Gould, Jake Trbojevic, Josh Reynolds, Josh Morris and special guests for a huge Origin night packed with laughs, footy debate and a few surprises. Will the Blues strike first again… or can Queensland continue their incredible recent record in Sydney? Thanks to TAB & The Locker Room! NordVPN is giving you a huge discount and four extra months on your NordVPN subscription. To get this exclusive deal, go to nordvpn.com/sixtackles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Buderus relives his favourite State of Origin memory, Game 3, 2005. From the heartbreak of Matt Bowen’s intercept in Game 1 golden point, to the return of Andrew Johns and captaining NSW to a famous 32-10 win at Suncorp.  At the time, nobody realised it would become the last Blues decider win in Brisbane for almost two decades. This is the story of a team that got knocked down, found belief again, and etched itself into Origin history. Thanks to TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(01:40) Bulldogs issues (08:45) Origin selection headaches(36:40) Ask Gus(46:00) Round preview and predictions NordVPN is giving you a huge discount and four extra months on your NordVPN subscription. To get this exclusive deal, go to nordvpn.com/sixtackles.  Phil Gould opens up on the Bulldogs’ rough month, explains where confidence has dropped away, how injuries have hurt the side, and why the pressure of playing for a club like Canterbury can quickly overwhelm younger players when results turn south. Gus breaks down why the Bulldogs’ defence-first DNA is being tested in today’s NRL and why simply defending your way to wins is no longer enough. Plus, a State of Origin debate. Did Laurie Daley get it wrong dropping Dylan Edwards for James Tedesco? Was Reece Walsh unlucky to miss out? And is the Cameron Munster and Sam Walker halves combination a gamble that could define the series?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Gould returns with one of the great podcast openers after revealing a heart monitor scare that led to the line: “I’ve been dead for 3 days.” From there, it’s straight into Magic Round chaos and the biggest Origin talking points heading into team selections. Gus breaks down the Reece Walsh v Kalyn Ponga fullback debate, the Warriors’ decision to release Luke Metcalf, and why modern rugby league has become “a game of fatigue.” There’s also Ask Gus from Switzerland, Perth expansion discussion, Women’s Origin preview, and a full Round 11 Magic Round breakdown. Six Tackles with Gus State of Origin Game 1 live podcast show is happening at The Locker Room from 2pm before kick off on Wednesday 27th of May. If you want to come along send us your best Ask Gus Question to sixtackles@nine.com.au It’s all thanks to TAB. NordVPN is giving you a huge discount and four extra months on your NordVPN subscription. To get this exclusive deal, go to nordvp

The "Billy the Kid" Breakout: State of Origin Game 2, 2004 In this episode of Stories of Origin, host Matthew Thompson sits down with a true icon of the game, current Maroons coach and Queensland legend Billy Slater. Travel back to 2004, a year that cemented Slater's place in Origin folklore. We revisit the electric atmosphere of Suncorp Stadium and the moment that left the sporting world breathless: Slater’s legendary double chip-and-chase try. Join us as Billy reflects on the sheer instinct behind that iconic play, the magic of the 2004 series, and what it means to be part of the Maroons' enduring legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The game is changing… and Gus reckons it’s happening fast. We kick off with a deep dive into the modern NRL, where speed is up, defence is down, and scorelines are blowing out. We’ve seen 80-point games, record losing scores, and a competition that feels more unpredictable than ever. Is this the new normal… or just a phase? There’s also a big warning around Origin. If the current style of officiating carries over, Gus says it could get “scary”… with fatigue, injuries, and recovery becoming just as important as tactics. From there, it’s all the big talking points. The fallout from Gal v Bracey, a PNG discussion, and a strong call that Bula could be a one-club player. Injury concerns for Doueihi, plus the question hanging over Liam Martin and his future at the Panthers. Gus also backs a Queensland fightback in Women’s Origin, before tackling your questions. Origin selection headaches, the push to “make scrums great again,” and how forwar

This week on Ask Gus, Phil Gould tackles the big questions from listeners. Who was the hardest-working player he ever coached? Did Queensland’s eight straight Origin series wins ever tempt him back into the New South Wales coaching box? Gus also weighs in on whether James Tedesco deserves an Origin recall at 33, whether Melbourne are truly missing Ryan Papenhuyzen at fullback, and even reveals his go-to Chinese order.  If you want your question answered, send it in via Instagram or Facebook to NRL on 9.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarome Luai’s blockbuster move to the PNG Chiefs headlines a seismic episode of Six Tackles with Gus, as Phil Gould breaks down what the superstar signing means for the Wests Tigers, the new franchise, and the future player market. Plus, Gus weighs in on Blues Origin hypotheticals, Women’s State of Origin, a mystery guest appearance, and Gus' Round 9 tips. Six Tackles with Gus State of Origin Game 1 live podcast show is happening at The Locker Room from 2pm before kick off on Wednesday 27th of May. If you want to come along send us your best Ask Gus Question to sixtackles@nine.com.au It’s all thanks to TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He was at his lowest ebb - then he delivered perfection. Welcome to Season 5 of Stories of Origin. as we sit down with the true icons of the game to explore the single Origin match that defined their legacy. We are kicking off this series with a bang. Rugby league’s greatest player, Nathan Cleary, joins us to dissect his favourite Origin game: his absolute masterclass in game two of the 2022 series in Perth. It was a performance that silenced the critics and showcased the resilience required to thrive at this level. Nathan takes us inside the intense pressure of that series, revealing how he channelled the disappointment of a 16-10 home loss in game one - against a Queensland side inspired by the champion Cameron Munster, to orchestrate the defining high point of his Origin career. It’s an intimate, tactical, and honest look at what it takes to own the toughest arena in rugby league. Proudly brought to you by TAB.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus, I’m looking for a bit of unfiltered coaching history. First, regarding 1991 - as a lifelong Panthers fan, I’ve always wondered about the tough calls you had to make around Royce Simmons during that premiership year. How did you balance the emotion of his career with the tactical needs of the team? SimonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the nation prepares to pay tribute to our service people, we sit down with former 2nd Commando Damien Thomlinson for an unforgettable conversation on survival, perspective, and true toughness. Plus, we break down a massive week in the NRL: the Dragons enter a new era with Dean Young at the helm and Kade Reed set for his debut, Latrell Mitchell’s stunning form, and the mounting injury toll ahead of the State of Origin series. Don’t forget the Billy Slater Podcast every Monday and Stories of Origin Season 5 with Nathan Cleary available Monday 27 April. Six Tackles with Gus is thank to TAB. 01:00 – ANZAC Round: Honouring sacrifice. 06:00 – Latrell Mitchell: Is he currently the best fullback in the game? 09:00 – Injury update: The toll ahead of Origin. 13:00 – The Storm: Are they in danger of missing the 8? 16:00 – Kieran Foran: Coach of the Year contender? 17:00 – Dean Young: The right man to lead the Dragons? 24:00 – Kade Reed’s NRL debut. 28:00 &nd

In this bonus Ask Gus episode, Phil 'Gus' Gould dives into the mailbag to tackle everything from recruitment philosophy to Rugby League history. We explore the 'Moneyball' philosophy - is there a secret similarity between the Oakland A’s approach and the current Bulldogs rebuild? Gus also gives his hypothetical take on who the Dragons should head-hunt if they had an open cheque book for 2026, and reflects on the incredible talent nursery of Logan City, including some memories of the legendary Tommy Raudonikis. This week’s questions: Joshua David: Should the Anzac Test return? Michael Chariton: How did coaches get messages to the team back in the day? Back in Black n’ White: Does the Bulldogs' recruitment mirror the Moneyball philosophy? Neil Perkins: If the Dragons had the cash, who is the one player they should buy right now? Dale Ireland: Memories of the Logan City league nursery and Tommy Raudonikis' time with the Scorpions. If you want your question answered, send it in via Instagram o

Is this the wildest start to a season ever? The Wests Tigers are equal first, the Melbourne Storm have lost four in a row, and the ladder is completely upside down. In this episode, Gus and Mat break down: Api Koroisau: Despite being one of the premier hookers in the game and a proven winner, Api Koroisau is still waiting for his Origin opportunity. The Storm Slump: Is the Bellamy era facing its toughest test yet? Origin Bolters: Is Jacob Preston the man to replace Liam Martin for NSW? The Points Explosion: Why nearly 50% of games are clearing 50 points this year. Injury Crisis: Does Parramatta’s bad luck prove we need a loan system? Plus, we look ahead to a massive Round 7 where the Tigers go in as favourites against the Broncos, and we announce details for our Six Tackles Live Origin Special at The Locker Room! Don’t forget the Billy Slater Podcast every Monday and Stories of Origin Season 5 coming soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil "Gus" Gould and Mathew Thompson dive into the physical evolution of the NRL. From the "diminutive" magic of Alfie Langer and Geoff Toovey to the massive stature of modern playmakers like 6'4" Lachlan Galvin, Gus explains why the "little man" is being blasted out of the front line. Plus, a look at Nathan Cleary’s "majestic" form and why he needs an Origin series win to cement his legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Six Tackles with Gus, Phil Gould reveals the startling results on a team after a loss to Penrith.  As we head into a massive Easter Long Weekend of footy, Gus weighs in on the Brookvale dramas as pressure mounts at Manly and questions whether Shane Flanagan is already on the chopping block at the winless Dragons. Plus, we look ahead to the annual Good Friday blockbuster between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs at Accor Stadium, discuss why Newcastle’s rise is a coaching masterstroke, and Gus shares a surprising story about interviewing Kieran Foran for a coaching role.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Ask Gus Questions. Gus breaks down whether Tannah Boyd is the most improved player in the game right now, and what’s behind his rise. He looks at the Tigers’ chances without Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi. There’s pressure talk too. Should Shane Flanagan be feeling the heat? And could tensions between Gorden Tallis and the Broncos faithful really be sorted over a beer? Plus, a look ahead at the future of the game. What does the NRL look like in 10 years? How might the season structure evolve, and what challenges could things like travel and fuel costs create? And one of the big debates in the modern game, suspensions versus fines. Has Gus changed his stance? If you want your question answered, send it in via Instagram or Facebook to NRLonNine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coaching drama has exploded just three rounds into the season as the Broncos are rocked by the sudden exit of assistant Ben Te’o, raising fresh questions about leadership and stability at Red Hill. Gus unpacks the situation, what could be happening behind the scenes, and why differences of opinion inside coaching groups are not only common, but necessary. As Gus puts it, you can’t be a yes man to the head coach, and leadership often means making calls that don’t make everyone happy. Elsewhere, the pressure is building fast. Are the Roosters and Trent Robinson heading for a defining moment against Manly? Will Daly Cherry-Evans get a hostile reception at Brookvale? And are the Sharks at risk of going stale after years with the same core? Plus, a big Yes No No No No No, Panthers tactics under the microscope, Souths’ return to Allianz, and a full Round 4 preview thanks to TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus and Mat reflect on an emotional night at Allianz Stadium where Alex Johnston made history by breaking the all-time try-scoring record. Gus shares his personal memories of watching the legendary Ken Irvine and discusses what makes "AJ" such a special part of the South Sydney club. Plus, Tigers Time: Gus is impressed by the team cohesion the Wests Tigers are currently building. Ask Gus: Can Manly turn it around? Round 3 Preview: Analysis of every game, including the Bulldogs' trip to Canberra and the clash between the red-hot Warriors and the Knights. The "Claudette" Report: AI analysis of Gus's busy week on social media. NRL Judiciary & Fines: Gus sounds off on the current system of player fines and why he believes it's way over the top. Multicultural Round Trivia: Who was the first PNG-born player to debut in the NRL? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Gould is back from Las Vegas after seeing the Eagles at the Sphere and breaks down the big statements from Round 1, the Raiders’ hot start, and whether Alex Johnston is about to make NRL history. Plus  a Tigers young gun debut, your Ask Gus questions, and Round 2 tips thanks to TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Six Tackles with Gus, Mathew Thompson and Phil "Gus" Gould dive into the final preparations for the historic 2026 NRL season opener in Las Vegas. Gus shares behind-the-scenes insights into the Bulldogs’ massive logistical undertaking to move their entire staff and roster stateside, the evolving rivalry with the Dragons, and why he believes the Vegas venture is vital for the game's international future. The duo also analyses the latest player movements - including high-profile signings at the Roosters and Dolphins, and Gus lays out his fearless predictions for the Top 4 contenders and the breakout stars to watch this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.