Gus backs Billy’s Maroon’s Origin selections and reflects on where the Blues went wrong in Game 2. He declares the Dolphins a genuine top-four contender, rates the Warriors’ Barnett injury as a bigger blow than Metcalf’s. Plus, footy’s best venues, NRLW updates, and Round 18 predictions. 00:00 - Welcome 05:30 - Yes No No No No 05:50 - Bulldogs Panthers was game of the year 14:30 - Can Dolphins finish in the top 4 21:40 - No Metcalf = No Warriors premiership 24:45 - Big Papa’s selection is an ins...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 9Ep. 20
Freddy’s in the hot seat this week, filling in for Gus and joining Mat Thompson to preview the Origin decider and share his thoughts on the Australian coaching job. He also unpacks the Panthers’ dynasty chances, a possible rookie of the year bolter in Isaiah Iongi, and why Selwyn Cobbo needs a cuddle, not a rocket. Freddy opens up about nearly signing with the Eels, playing through appendicitis, and what it was like on tour in England during the World Cup. There’s chat about the Sharks’ halves, ...
Jun 26, 2025•53 min•Season 9Ep. 19
Live from Perth, Gus dissects the Queensland Maroons' Game 2 selections, admitting, "I'm not sure they've addressed the problem" with a forward pack that "doesn't make sense to me." Gus also weighs in on Jarome Luai’s inclusion making NSW "stronger," the crucial role of Kurt Mann, and Kalyn Ponga's impact. He dives deep into the mental side of Origin, answers listener questions on Billy Slater's job and NSW's biggest dangers, and gives his final predictions for the match. 00:00 - Welcome Live fr...
Jun 16, 2025•43 min•Season 9Ep. 18
In this episode of #AskGus , Gus opens up about the May brothers and what Taylan’s signing means for the Tigers' future. He dives deep into the Warriors’ rise as a powerhouse club and why their success story is just beginning. Plus, who picks the roommates on tour? Gus shares one of rugby league’s funniest rooming mishaps involving Tommy Raudonikis and Steve Mortimer. Proudly brought to you by TAB. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 12, 2025•15 min
Gus weighs in on the State of Origin captaincy debate and the shock decision to omit Daly Cherry-Evans from the Queensland squad. He also shares his strong views on the Dolphins' fearless approach to the competition, and offers a passionate warning to buckle up for the Warriors' rise. 00:00 - Welcome Mat in Adelaide for swimming Kikau let off at match judiciary 03:30 - Yes, No No No No No! Adam O’Brien’s comments about the Knights fans was not needed Kai Pearce-Paul is a great acquisition for th...
Jun 10, 2025•44 min•Season 9Ep. 17
On this #AskGus ep of Six Tackles Gus praises Wayne Bennett’s masterclass in coaching under pressure, reflects on Penrith’s gritty path back to finals contention, and shuts down a wild Origin rumour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 06, 2025•11 min
Gus breaks down the Broncos’ ongoing struggles, calling out how they can be their own worst enemy. He weighs in on Lachlan Galvin’s impact since joining the club, has his say on Origin II selections, unpacks the new Kangaroos coaching gig, and shares fresh insights into the Trbojevic brothers’ contract talks. 00:00 - Welcome 04:00 - Broncos woes 11:20 - Yes No No No 24:45 - Lachlan Galvin 30:30 - Jake and Tom Trbojevic 37:40 - Gus’ Sporting Goats & NRL questions 46:10 - Trump x Seinfeld 49:3...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 9Ep. 16
Back in 1994, Phil Gould’s Blues stunned Queensland by winning a decider at Lang Park - a feat unmatched for nearly two decades. Then came Game 3, 2024. It was brutal. Tryless for over an hour. Every inch hard-fought. Then, with the series in the balance, Bradman Best crashed through - pure power, pure Origin. Madge’s Blues had done it again. History repeated. A dream decider. Featuring - Bradman Best, Ben Hunt, Phil Gould, Mark Geyer, Andrew Johns, Jonathan Thurston See omnystudio.com/listener ...
Jun 01, 2025•25 min
Gus breaks down New South Wales' dominant performance in the State of Origin opener, with a deep dive into the effectiveness of their right-side attack and the halves' control. They also touch on the Women's Origin, discuss the impact of Max King, and answer listener questions, including potential changes for Queensland in Game 2. Plus, a tribute to Fatty, and a preview of the upcoming NRL round. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 30, 2025•1 hr•Season 9Ep. 15
Lang Park. Suncorp Stadium. Call it what you like - it’s hallowed ground. The kind of place where Queensland legends are made. Where the spirit of Origin greats like Beetson, Jackson, and Tosser Turner lingers in the air. In this episode of Stories of Origin: Magic Moments , we rewind to Game 3, 2022 - a decider for the ages. With just under two minutes on the clock and the series on the line, New South Wales launch one last desperate raid… until Ben Hunt steps in. He’s not flashy. But he’s pure...
May 25, 2025•20 min
Gus and Thomo discuss all things Origin including the selection of Robert Toia and how it is an “inspired” choice from Billy Slater. Gus blows up at the announcements of the Origin teams and how for years he has been saying it needs to be a special event on a Sunday night. Reece Walsh is in the headlines for a video as Gus discusses the impact of social media and the evolving culture among players. Some great yarns on Andrew Walker, Tommy Radonikous, James Packer and Elton John. Plus, Gus’s tips...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 9Ep. 14
After five painful years of Maroon dominance, 1985 was the year New South Wales said “enough.” They turned to Canterbury’s fearless halfback Steve “Turvey” Mortimer - a man with blue blood and an unbreakable will - to lead the charge. From stirring pre-game speeches to that unforgettable chair-lift off the SCG, Mortimer’s passion and grit didn’t just win a series - he rewrote Origin history and brought the Blues their first ever series win. Sometimes, you’ve just gotta want it more. Featuring La...
May 18, 2025•25 min
Gus dissects a number of potential Blues’ selection calls ahead of teams being announced, including the halves and wing spots. Praise for the Women’s NSW Origin team after taking out the series in Sydney. Can the Tigers bounce back from their disastrous loss to the Storm last week, and is Mal Meninga the man to lead the Perth Bears? Plus Gus’ Round 11 tips, proudly brought to you by TAB. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 16, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 9Ep. 13
This week's episode of Six Tackles will be released on Friday the 16th of May See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 14, 2025•27 sec
If you need to understand Origin in just one moment, it’s the closing minutes of Game One, 1994. The Blues were cruising - 10 points up with 10 to play - until a wave of maroon belief swept the Sydney Football Stadium. Alfie Langer to Kevvy Walters, Michael Carne joins, Renouf streaks down the touchline, Hancock keeps it alive, Darren Smith inside, back to Alfie… BIG MAL sets the stage, and from nowhere Mark Coyne dives for the corner: “Queensland is never beaten!” In this episode of Stories of ...
May 11, 2025•21 min
Gus picks his NSW pack and addresses rumours about Spencer Leniu. Brandon Smith is set to join Souths right away - Gus wonders why the Roosters let him walk. Dom Young is being shopped around and wants to play centre, while David Fifita’s big pay‑packet has him stuck in reserve grade and Gus has some advice for what he does next. Plus Six Tackles Trivia and don’t miss Gus’ Round 10 tips. 00:00 - Fresh off 7/8 tips in Magic Round. 12:30 - Yes! No, No, No, No. Brisbane to stay hosting Magic Round?...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 9Ep. 12
A series decider at ANZ Stadium. The Blues teetered on the brink, heartbreak hanging over Homebush once more - until one breathtaking chain of passes rewrote Origin folklore. Relive the frantic final minute: Cordner to Murray, Pearce punching through the line, Trbojevic unleashing Ferguson on white-knuckle tippy-toes down the sideline, and - like lightning - James “Teddy” Tedesco diving over to clinch NSW’s first back-to-back crown since 2005. Buckle up for the play that stunned Queensland and c...
May 04, 2025•20 min
Gus cant get his head around the rumours swirling that Daly Cherry-Evans could be on his way to Roosters with all the young halves they have. Gus and Mat discuss the expansion to the West and how it wont be easy recruiting big names over. Gus also gives a rare insight into his coaching career, discussing the emotional challenges of handling losses and the importance of maintaining emotional control during games. He emphasises the significance of mental toughness and attitude control in sports, s...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 9Ep. 11
In the 45th year of rugby league’s fiercest rivalry, Stories of Origin is back with its most emotional season yet - Magic Moments: As Voted By You , thanks to TAB. Across six epic episodes, fans chose the plays that made them shout, cry and believe again, and the legends who lived them tell every raw detail. We kick off where Origin itself began: Arthur Beetson’s thunderous return to Lang Park in 1980. A weary warrior summoned home, Beetson strapped on the captain’s armband and, in eighty unforg...
Apr 27, 2025•23 min
Gus analyses Mitch Moses' impact on Parramatta and what it could mean for NSW. The Lachlan Galvin saga isnt going away anytime soon and Gus has his say on the matter. Are the Raiders a genuine premiership threat? Is it time for the NRL to introduce a transfer period and draft? A huge preview of the most important day of the year - ANZAC Day. Plus all Gus' tips and #AskGus questions answered, proudly brought to you by TAB. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 9Ep. 10
Gus weighs in on the Lachlan Galvin bombshell. He questions the motive behind the decision, the timing, and the role of player managers in today’s game. “It’s untenable,” he says. “It’s not going to last.” With strong words for the Tigers’ reaction and real concern for Galvin’s welfare, Gus doesn’t hold back. Plus: #AskGus, Gus’ Auction House and Gus’ Round 7 Tips. 00:00 - Welcome - Easter Friday match tipped for 70,000 6:45 - JWH will go down as one of the greatest ever props 8:15 - Rory McIlro...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 9Ep. 9
Welcome to a bonus episode of Six Tackles with Gus. Over the past few episodes we've been building Gus' Auction House - getting inside Phil Gould's mind to understand how difficult it is to build a modern NRL team under the salary cap, and how much he’d be willing to spend on each position.. In this episode we're focusing on the wingers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 12, 2025•13 min
Gus breaks it all down - from the NRL's bold move to buy into the Super League, to how artificial intelligence could shake up rugby league as we know it. Plus, his Round 6 tips, proudly brought to you by TAB. 00:00 – Welcome & Round 5 Recap 05:45 – Why Jahrome Hughes is the key to the Storm 10:30 – Is Payne Haas about to land a 10-year megadeal? 16:00 – Gus on how AI could change the game 30:30 – The NRL eyes a Super League stake 52:00 – #AskGus 57:00 – Stories of Origin Sneak Peek 59:00 – S...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 9Ep. 8
Is Nathan Cleary the answer to Penrith’s struggles, or is it panic stations for the premiers? Plus, Payne Haas’ defection to Samoa and how it can benefit the game. Gus breaks down the Bulldogs' form, Reed Mahoney’s impact, the ongoing sin bin crackdown, and why Lachlan Galvin should not be the next million dollar man. Plus, Gus’ Auction House, your questions in #AskGus and Gus’ Round Round 5 tips thanks to TAB. 00:00 - Welcome Bulldogs chat Reed Mahoney Sin bin crackdown 13:30 - Yes, No No No No...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 9Ep. 7
Jahrome Hughes has developed into one of the most composed and skillful playmakers in the game. From growing up in New Zealand to becoming a premiership-winning NRL star to being a Dally M winner—this story is worth a listen. We dive deep into the role his family and culture have played in shaping him, exploring his identity as a proud Māori man and the values instilled in him from a young age. Jahrome opens up about the challenges he’s faced along the way, the sacrifices his family made for his...
Mar 29, 2025•33 min
Gus praises the way DCE has gone about this week’s news that he will be leaving Manly at season’s end. Gus realised something was up after receiving a phone call about DCE’s future late last year. Are we seeing too many set restarts in our game, are Penrith still the team to beat, and how important are mascots to our game? Plus, your questions for #AskGus and the Round 4 preview thanks to TAB. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 9Ep. 6
Joe Tapine from the Canberra Raiders is a powerhouse. From growing up in Wellington to making his mark in the NRL, Joe’s journey is one of resilience and growth. He opens up about his family, the challenges of moving to Australia, and the harsh lessons he learned along the way. Joe opens up candidly about his pokies addiction early on in his footballing career and how his wife, Kirsten guided him down the right path. We also chat about his Māori heritage, how the All Stars camp deepened his cult...
Mar 22, 2025•40 min
Welcome to a bonus episode of Six Tackles with Gus. Over the past few episodes we've been building Gus' Auction House - getting inside Phil Gould's mind to understand how difficult it is to build a modern NRL team under the salary cap, and how much he’d be willing to spend on each position.. In this episode we're focusing on the hooker and second rowers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 21, 2025•27 min
Gus breaks down the round that was - Should Cowboys fans be concerned? And are the Raiders actually the best team in the comp right now?, And in a Six Tackles exclusive, Gus reveals how the best forward in the comp right now, nearly became a Bulldog. Plus, we put a price on the game’s top players in Gus’ auction house, answer your #AskGus questions, and preview Round 3! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 9Ep. 5
Will Warbrick is one of the most exciting rising stars in the NRL. Hailing from New Zealand, he comes from a proud Māori background and first made his mark in rugby sevens, winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. His transition to rugby league with the Melbourne Storm has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing his athleticism, strength, and natural try-scoring ability. With a unique journey across two codes, Will brings a fresh perspective to the game and continues to grow as a key p...
Mar 15, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 3
