Six Tackles With Gus

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League legend Phil 'Gus' Gould and Mathew Thompson tackle the biggest talking points in Rugby League each week, delivering bold opinions, deep analysis and inside stories.

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20 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Wednesday · 1 hr 10 min
Gus Unpacks the Tigers Crisis + His Biggest Tip of Round 22
The Wests Tigers dominate this week's episode after Benji Marshall and Adam Doueihi front the media following one of the biggest stories of the NRL season. Phil Gould explains why the real issue isn't Adam Doueihi refusing to play lock, but how the story leaked in the first place, and why great clubs simply don't allow those conversations to become public. The boys also break down Round 22, discuss whether the Sharks are genuine premiership threats, the Panthers' roster squeeze, Newcastle's injury blow, and why Gus believes the Tigers are his best bet of the weekend despite starting as outsiders. Plus, could Kodi Nikorima be on the move? 00:00 Broncos officially eliminated & finals race tightens 02:27 Why the NRL's talent pool is about to change forever 03:30 Newcastle's injury crisis and finals hopes 04:45 What's gone wrong at Manly? 06:10 Bulldogs quietly becoming a premiership threat 06:52 Can PNG really be finals competitive in year one? 09:07 Panthers' salary cap squeeze & Nathan Cleary's future 14:27 Are Cronulla Penrith's biggest premiership threat? 17:40 Benji, Doueihi and the Tigers press conference fallout 33:58 Ask Gus: What makes a genuine finals team? 37:12 Which clubs are building for 2027? 38:34 Ask Gus: How do you recover from a 40-point loss? 46:24 Six Tackles Trivia: The Tigers' last finals campaign 51:03 NRLW Magic Round preview 51:55 Round 22 Preview & Tips 51:55 Cowboys vs Roosters 59:07 Dragons vs Dolphins (Kodi Nikorima rumours) 1:00:22 Storm vs Bulldogs 1:01:46 Titans vs Warriors 1:03:34 Panthers vs Raiders (Blaze Talagi dropped) 1:05:56 Broncos vs Knights 1:08:16 Sharks vs Rabbitohs 1:09:26 Tigers vs Eels | Gus' upset tip 1:10:32 Wrap up & final tips See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 22 · 1 hr 16 min
Gus Backs Joey to Coach NSW: “He’ll Regret It If He Doesn’t”
Phil Gould explains why Andrew Johns should seriously consider coaching New South Wales and why the opportunity may not come again. Gus also weighs in on Tom Trbojevic’s future at Manly, Marcelo Montoya’s immediate retirement, Dean Young taking charge of the Dragons, the growing finals race and whether Penrith are beginning to wobble. Plus, Gus reviews the biggest bounce-back wins in rugby league history and previews every match of NRL Round 21. 00:00 Round 21, judiciary & Dean Young confirmed as Dragons coach 01:15 Dean Young's vision for the Dragons 04:12 Marcelo Montoya retires immediately 07:20 Could Gus ever do a podcast with his wife? 08:10 Judiciary fallout: Tigers, Rabbitohs & suspensions 09:35 Why Achilles injuries can end seasons 12:05 Are the Raiders still in the finals race? 14:40 Should Manly consider Tom Trbojevic's future? 19:45 The salary cap problem with long-term injuries 24:18 Are Penrith starting to wobble? 26:36 Should Perth panic about recruitment? 28:22 Can PNG build a competitive NRL roster? 30:45 Gus predicted the Dolphins' huge turnaround 35:28 The NRL's most underrated player? 35:58 Ask Gus: Markers, play-the-balls & gamesmanship 39:05 Why the NRL draw is never fair 41:48 Is Cam Munster's Kangaroos spot under threat? 43:52 The biggest hitters in rugby league history 48:24 Should Andrew Johns coach NSW? 49:34 "He probably should do it" 50:56 Why Joey would galvanise the Blues 56:28 Six Tackles Trivia 57:23 Andrew Johns' incredible 34-point game 59:58 NRLW Round 4 preview 1:01:18 Eels vs Panthers 1:02:00 Knights vs Roosters 1:04:12 Rabbitohs vs Storm 1:05:40 Raiders vs Tigers 1:06:18 Bulldogs vs Warriors 1:06:56 Cowboys vs Broncos 1:09:02 Dragons vs Titans 1:11:15 Sea Eagles vs Sharks 1:13:06 Gus' full Round 21 tips 1:14:28 Fritz's Wiener recommendation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 15 · 1 hr 1 min
Let Perseverance Do Its Work: Gus Backs the Tigers’ Tough Luai Call
With Origin now in the rear-view mirror, Gus explains why the emotional hangover can linger for players and clubs as the race to the finals heats up. Gus praises Nathan Cleary’s brilliant decider performance, declares the champion halfback is yet to reach his peak and assesses the rebuild facing Billy Slater and Queensland. The boys also unpack the Wests Tigers’ decision to release Jarome Luai early, why his one-year Parramatta move makes sense for everyone involved and the importance of allowing perseverance to do its work during a long-term rebuild. Plus, are the Cowboys genuine premiership contenders? Can Melbourne survive without Cameron Munster? Could the Broncos upset Penrith? Gus previews every match in Round 20 and offers Rory McIlroy some unusual advice ahead of The Open. 00:00 Welcome and the Origin hangover 01:44 How Origin disruption affects NRL clubs 04:06 Dolphins’ 66-point defeat and the Sharks’ finals chances 06:32 The latest on Stephen Crichton’s neck injury 09:53 Player welfare and the physical toll of rugby league 10:50 The Open Championship and Gus’s golf tips 11:56 The congested NRL ladder 12:16 Why Nathan Cleary’s critics defy logic 14:19 “He hasn’t peaked yet”: Gus’s huge Cleary prediction 16:39 How NSW produced its remarkable Origin turnaround 19:03 Should Billy Slater remain Queensland coach? 21:29 Liam Martin and Hudson Young’s Origin impact 23:49 Are the Cowboys genuine premiership contenders? 26:09 Jarome Luai’s one-year move to Parramatta 28:27 The lasting impact Luai has had on the Tigers 30:51 Why the Tigers released Luai one year early 33:10 Benji Marshall makes the tough call 35:29 Huge changes coming for NRL rosters 37:50 “Let perseverance do its work” 40:01 Parramatta’s improvement and the strength of the competition 41:01 Can Melbourne reach the finals without Cameron Munster? 42:11 Jai Arrow’s emotional birthday fundraiser 43:00 Six Tackles Trivia 45:19 Women in League Round and the NRLW 46:23 Round 20 preview: Panthers v Broncos 50:30 Sharks v Knights 51:59 Roosters v Storm 52:48 Raiders v Rabbitohs 53:48 Warriors v Dragons 54:48 Bulldogs v Wests Tigers 55:48 Titans v Sea Eagles 56:57 Dolphins v Cowboys and the bounce-back factor 58:43 Gus’s Round 20 tips 59:43 Does Rory McIlroy need glasses? 1:01:04 Final thoughts and farewell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 7 · 42 min
Freddy & Joey preview the 2026 State of Origin decider
Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns share their final words ahead of the 2026 State of Origin decider. 2024 Origin hero Bradman Best joins the show to discuss tactics and gameplan ahead of Game III. Plus, the boys name the best Indigenous player they have played with in their careers. All that and more on a special Origin edition of Freddy & the Eighth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 6 · 51 min
100% Footy - State of Origin Special
Special Guest Latrell Mitchell plus inside Blues and Maroons camp. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 1 · 47 min
"Unleash Liam Martin": Gus' 20-Minute Origin Decider Blueprint
Gus explains why New South Wales can't afford to let Queensland dictate early, why the first 20 minutes could decide the series, and how players like Liam Martin and Addin Fonua-Blake should be used to put the Maroons on the back foot from the opening whistle. Also in this episode: Why Gus was shocked by Brian To'o being left out The selection gamble on Jack Bostock How New South Wales should manage its bench in the biggest game of the year Why Queensland carries more pressure than people think Gus' memories of the old Lang Park and coaching Origin deciders in Brisbane An unexpected live phone call to Emma Lawrence after Gus correctly predicted she was about to start maternity leave Plus the latest on the NRL ladder, the start of the NRLW season, and your Ask Gus questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 24 · 1 hr 4 min
“NSW Can Win”: Gus Blueprint for NSW upset at Suncorp
Phil Gould says State of Origin isn't a talent problem for New South Wales, it's a football problem. This week Gus explains why the Blues are "getting it wrong", how Queensland continue to outplay them in the moments that matter, and what Laurie Daley must do before the decider. Plus, the rise of the Titans, why the Warriors are genuine contenders, Ben Hunt's incredible career milestone, Jake Averillo's move to the Tigers, and Gus previews every game of Round 17 thanks to TAB. (00:00) Beanies for Brain Cancer Round and the Mark Hughes Foundation (05:23) Breaking news: Jake Averillo signs with the West Tigers (07:46) Ben Hunt extends with Brisbane for a 19th NRL season (09:25) Are defensive contests making a comeback in the NRL? (11:03) The Titans' rise under Josh Hannay (13:50) Why the Warriors won't fade this season (15:21) Are the Dolphins genuine premiership favourites? (19:17) Broncos facing a finals-defining stretch (21:38) Should Mitchell Moses play Origin III? (24:00) “We're getting it wrong” - Gus' Origin diagnosis (35:40) Can NSW fix it before the decider? (45:13) Why Queensland rarely beat themselves (48:00) Ask Gus: Origin, coaching futures and Dean Young (54:12) Round 17 preview and TAB odds (01:12:00) Gus' Round 17 tips and farewell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 21 · 26 min
Stories of Origin: Brad Fittler's Favourite Origin | The Fairytale Farewell of 2004
No one has had a greater influence on New South Wales rugby league than Brad Fittler. A Blues legend, Freddy played a record 31 State of Origin matches for NSW before later coaching his state on 18 occasions. But the Origin story closest to his heart came in 2004, when Phil Gould convinced him to return from representative retirement for one final campaign. It wasn't all smooth sailing. The comeback didn't start as planned, but it ended with one of the most memorable fairytale finishes in Origin history. In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brad Fittler relives the 2004 series, his final season in the Sky Blue jersey, the unforgettable decider, and the perfect send-off alongside Phil Gould. A farewell that remains one of the great moments in Origin history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 17 · 46 min
Origin on the Line at the MCG | Darren Lockyer Joins Gus + Round 16 Tips
State of Origin heads back to Melbourne with the series hanging in the balance and Darren Lockyer joins Phil Gould and Mat Thompson to break down the biggest Game II storylines. The team looks at the impact of Payne Haas' return, Billy Slater's Reece Walsh wildcard, Laurie Daley's selection calls and whether Queensland can force a decider at Suncorp Stadium. Plus, don’t miss your Round 16 NRL tips from Gus! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 9 · 50 min
‘That Shocks Me’: Gus Can’t Understand the Olakau'atu Call
State of Origin selection drama dominates this week's Six Tackles with Gus as Phil Gould questions some of New South Wales' biggest Game Two decisions ahead of the MCG blockbuster. Why isn't Haumole Olakau'atu in the Blues' best 17? Is Mitchell Moses a gamble worth taking? And has Laurie Daley got the balance of his bench right? Gus also breaks down Queensland's changes, explains why the Maroons always seem to find another gear after a loss, reflects on his memories of playing at the MCG, discusses the Dolphins' rise under Kristian Woolf and previews Round 15. It's all thanks to TAB. Send us your best Ask Gus Question to sixtackles@nine.com.au 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.
June 7 · 31 min
Stories of Origin - Cam Smith's Favourite Origin: Against All Odds
No player has worn the Queensland jersey more times than Cameron Smith. Across 42 State of Origin appearances, Smith became the ultimate competitor, captain and match-winner, helping lead the Maroons through one of the most dominant eras in rugby league history. But when asked to choose his favourite Origin, Smith doesn't go back to the beginning. He picks 2017. It was a series that seemed destined for New South Wales after a crushing Game One victory in Brisbane against a Queensland side missing Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston. Then came Thurston's unforgettable sideline conversion in Sydney despite a shattered shoulder. And finally, a decider in Brisbane that would become Smith's last ever game for Queensland. In this episode of Stories of Origin, Cameron Smith relives the highs, the pressure, the leadership challenges and the moments that made the 2017 series his most memorable Origin campaign. From adversity to triumph, this is the story of one of Queensland's greatest ever victories, told by the man who led it. Thanks to TAB See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 4 · 29 min
NEW PODCAST - Mark My Words: Overtrained Broncos, Origin Jitters & Foran Takes the Wheel
Welcome to the Mark My Words podcast, where the Mark Geyer, Mark Levy and Mark Riddell bring you the latest news and passionate chats about NRL rugby league. Go and search for Mark My Words wherever you listen or watch your podcasts. In this episode, the hosts celebrate the Dragons' massive win and joke about the players eating McDonald's. They break down Kieran Foran's new coaching gig at Manly and share their thoughts on State of Origin selections. You will also get their expert predictions and betting tips for all the big Round 14 matchups. Plus the boys wrap things up with classic locker-room banter, including a hilarious story about a player in red undies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 27 · 1 hr 1 min
Six Tackles Origin Live Special with Jake Trbojevic
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.
May 24 · 28 min
Stories of Origin: Danny Buderus’ Famous Decider
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.
May 20 · 59 min
Gus On Bulldogs’ Toughest Period + Origin Selections
(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.
May 13 · 1 hr 12 min
“I’ve Been Dead for 3 Days” | Gus’ Origin Calls, Magic Round Chaos & The Walsh v Ponga Debate
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 nordvpn.com/sixtackles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 10 · 31 min
Stories of Origin: Billy Slater's Favourite Origin - The "Billy the Kid" Breakout
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.
May 6 · 1 hr 3 min
80-Point Shootouts & Origin Fears
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 forward recruitment has changed in today’s faster, more demanding game. We finish with trivia, a defunct clubs quiz, and a full NRL preview. 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.
May 1 · 7 min
Ask Gus: Hardest Worker Ever Coached and Gus’ go-to Chinese dish
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.
April 29 · 56 min
Luai’s PNG bombshell and Gus’ Origin Hypotheticals
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.

Six Tackles With Gus

Gus Unpacks the Tigers Crisis + His Biggest Tip of Round 22

Gus Backs Joey to Coach NSW: “He’ll Regret It If He Doesn’t”

Let Perseverance Do Its Work: Gus Backs the Tigers’ Tough Luai Call

Freddy & Joey preview the 2026 State of Origin decider

100% Footy - State of Origin Special

"Unleash Liam Martin": Gus' 20-Minute Origin Decider Blueprint

“NSW Can Win”: Gus Blueprint for NSW upset at Suncorp

Stories of Origin: Brad Fittler's Favourite Origin | The Fairytale Farewell of 2004

Origin on the Line at the MCG | Darren Lockyer Joins Gus + Round 16 Tips

‘That Shocks Me’: Gus Can’t Understand the Olakau'atu Call

Stories of Origin - Cam Smith's Favourite Origin: Against All Odds

NEW PODCAST - Mark My Words: Overtrained Broncos, Origin Jitters & Foran Takes the Wheel

Six Tackles Origin Live Special with Jake Trbojevic

Stories of Origin: Danny Buderus’ Famous Decider

Gus On Bulldogs’ Toughest Period + Origin Selections

“I’ve Been Dead for 3 Days” | Gus’ Origin Calls, Magic Round Chaos & The Walsh v Ponga Debate

Stories of Origin: Billy Slater's Favourite Origin - The "Billy the Kid" Breakout

80-Point Shootouts & Origin Fears

Ask Gus: Hardest Worker Ever Coached and Gus’ go-to Chinese dish

Luai’s PNG bombshell and Gus’ Origin Hypotheticals