Six Tackles With Gus

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.

We’re back, baby, and it’s Season Ten of Six Tackles with Gus. Live from The Locker Room at Olympic Park, Phil Gould opens the milestone season with a massive breakdown of the NRL’s biggest off-season changes, from revamped Origin eligibility rules to new rules. Gus digs into what it all means for stars like Kalyn Ponga, Jahrome Hughes and Addin Fonua-Blake and more. There’s also plenty on player movements, squad expansions, trainer restrictions, and how these tweaks could reshape the competition in 2026. It’s the start of our tenth season, with some big surprises for you to get involved, and another year of Gus cutting through the spin, thanks to TAB. Season Ten starts now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Gould is out, and rugby league legend Darryl 'The Big Marn' Brohman is in for a massive Grand Final preview! Brohman joins Mat Thompson to dive deep into the Storm vs. Broncos decider, focusing on the key match-ups: Harry Grant to be the difference, Stefano Utoikamanu's rise, and the unstoppable Payne Haas. The Big Marn tackles the infamous 'Yes No No' segment, debating the Panthers dynasty, Reece Walsh's Kangaroos chances, and whether Craig Bellamy is the greatest coach ever. Plus, the boys analyze the Dally M Awards, The Big Marn picks his Team of the Year, and they wrap up with the Ampol Power Surge's Top 3 Grand Finals. 00:00 - Welcome  Special guest ‘The Big Marn’  08:45 - Yes No No  09:00 - Penrith will win more comps in the next 3 years..  11:00 - Walsh is one more game away from an Australian jersey.. 13:00 - Teddy will win the Dally M..  14:00 - Bellamy is the games greatest ever coach..  17:00 - Grand Final preview Harry Grant to be the difference  Stefano going from spoon to possible premiership Hughes prelim performance Broncos performance against Penrith Payne Haas 27:45 - Dally M Awards  Big Marn selects his team of the year 35:30 - #AskGus  Who replaces Teddy Swims? Could Ben Hunt retire if the Broncos win? Should every player who plays during the season get a premiership ring? Should we have old school individual introductions for the Grand Final?  45:00 - Ampol Power Surge  Top 3 Grand Finals  46:30 - NRLW GF preview 48:30 - NRL GF previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus tackles your #AskGus questions head-on. From the best piece of advice he’s ever received, to whether the NRL really gives minor premiers the reward they deserve, and how Nathan Cleary and Jerome Luai developed into elite players so early.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The finals are here and Gus is firing. From the Raiders’ struggles and Nicho Hynes silencing the critics, to Turbo’s uncertain future at Manly and the bombshell of Mark Nawaqanitawase quitting the Roosters - which Gus calls “sad for our game.” Gus explains why he believes “the hoodoo is about to end” with 5 to take on 7 in the Grand Final. Plus, Gus drops his Top 3 Brain Explosions and previews all the action ahead in both the NRLW and NRL finals. 00:00 - Welcome  01:00 - And then there were 4 03:00 - Sunday Footy is the greatest 06:00 - Yes / No - Poor Raiders 12:00 - Yes / No - Nicho silencing the critics 17:00 - Yes / No - Turbo will wave goodbye to Manly 26:00 - Yes / No - Mark Nawaqanitawase to quit the Roosters 28:00 - 2025 RLPA Players’ Dream Team 30:00 - Ampol Power Surge - Top 3 Brain Explosions 40:00 - NRLW & NRL Finals PreviewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The best time of the year is upon us! Finals football! Gus and Thomo break down all the key matchups and storylines for an electrifying Week 1 of the NRL finals. Gus declares Payne Haas to be one of the greatest props the game has ever seen. Gus also dives deep into the state of the Newcastle Knights, giving his take on their long and challenging rebuild. Plus, the forwards are announced for the Six Tackles with Gus team of the year. 00:00 - Welcome  Finals are here! Best time of the year Gus has signed on to 2031 with the Bulldogs  Gus the star of 100% Footy 07:00 - Yes No No No 07:45 - Raiders enter the finals in the best shape 09:25 - The Knights are in for a long rebuild 16:00 - Dolphins should target Trai Fuller 17:30 - Locky purchasing a stake in the London Broncos is a great sign for the game 29:20 - Payne Haas is already one of the games greatest ever props 33:15 - STWG team of the year Gus selects his forward pack 51:00 - #AskGus What do you look for in good talent? Who would be best suited for the Newcastle job? 01:02:10 - Ampol Power Surge Top 3 aerial exponents 01:09:45 - NRL Week 1 finals previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus isn’t ruling out a shock Grand Final clash, suggesting the finals could throw up some unexpected contenders from outside the top of the ladder. With September footy just around the corner, the team unpacks all the possible scenarios and surprises. They also dive into the biggest Tries and Moments of 2025 – from Mark Nawaqanitawase’s breakout try to Latrell and Cleary’s ice-cool field goals, Leka Halasima’s brilliance, and the unforgettable Miracle in Mudgee. Plus, the first half of the Six Tackles Team of the Year is revealed, with the backs locked in. 00:00 - Welcome  Live show last week Finals scenarios 09:00 - Yes No No  Alex Johnston to break record on Friday night 13:00 - Raiders minor premiership is the most surprising in last 10 years 22:00 - Mark Nawaqanitawase will be playing for the Kangaroos  27:00 - Six Tackles try and moment of the year Mark Nawaqanitawase try Latrell field goal Cleary field goal Leka Halasima try Miracle in Mudgee 44:00 - Six Tackles Team of the year Pt 1 Backs  56:30 - #AskGus Biggest threats and opportunities in the future Can the Broncos cause some damage in the finals 01:06:00 - Ampol Power Surge Top captains for the year 01:08:45 - Round 27 previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Gus & Mat live from the Canterbury Leagues Club for their first live podcasting recording. With special guests Josh Reynolds & Mark O’Meley plus plenty of #AskGus questions live. It’s all thanks to our mates at TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on #AskGus, Gus and Mat tackle some of the big questions from listeners.  At what point do Manly have to face the hard truth about the Trbojevic brothers and the toll on their roster?  Could the Raiders have the spark to knock off heavyweights Melbourne or Penrith if they make it to the big stage?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus Gould makes a massive claim about Harry Grant's potential, analysing what makes him one of the most brilliant players in the game today.  He also tackles the NRL's crippling injury crisis, gives his fiery take on the push for yellow cards for diving, and breaks down the crucial moments from the weekend's games, including the Rabbitohs' gutsy win and the Roosters' strong form. Six Tackles is doing a live show Thursday 28th August from 2pm at Canterbury Leagues Club - before the Bulldogs-Panthers Game. To be there send your best #AskGus questions to sixtackles@nine.com.au for your chance to come along. Limited seats so get going! Please ensure you include your full name and phone number and we’ll respond to winners. It’s all thanks to TAB 00:00 - Welcome  Royce Simmons Big Walk Panthers Raiders game should be free to air TAB Live Show  07:00 - Parramatta will be finals contenders next year 10:00 - The Dragons have wasted a chance to play finals this year 15:30 - Jye Gray is a genuine match winner 21:00 - Harry Grant the second best hooker of all time 31:30 - Yellow cards for diving? 34:00 - Is the NRL season too long? 53:00 - Ampol Power Surge Top 3 coaches 55:00 - NRL and NRLW previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus weighs in on the Titans’ recent struggles, particularly the news that captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui might test the open market, and offers his strong opinion on the future of coach Des Hasler. He also discusses why he believes James Tedesco is the Dally M favourite, explains why he thinks the Bears’ supposed offer to Tino is “ridiculous”, and shares his thoughts on the Broncos’ chances of making the top eight. Six Tackles is doing a live show Thursday 28th August from 2pm at Canterbury Leagues Club - before the Bulldogs-Panthers Game. To be there send your best #AskGus questions to sixtackles@nine.com.au for your chance to come along. Limited seats so get going! Please ensure you include your full name and phone number and we’ll respond to winners. It’s all thanks to TAB 00:00 - Welcome  Roosters dominance  Isaah Yeo injury Six Tackles is going live! Canterbury Leagues Club 08:30 - Yes No No Mitch Moses and Tallyn Da Silva would’ve been completely fine post match 11:10 - Ethan Strange reminds you of Laurie Daley 16:15 - Ideally, rugby league would be 11 on 11 24:00 - James Tedesco is the Dally M favourite 26:00 - Brisbane will not miss the 8 34:00 - Tino to test the open market Gus doesn't understand the contract clause Would not pay $1.5m for a front rower 41:30 - Other players up for grabs Sandon Smith Bailey Simonssen 45:00 - Six Tackles Live Show  Two guests confirmed so far 49:30 - #AskGus Would Willie get a gig as a trainer for the Bulldogs? Salford Red Devils 56:00 - Ampol Power Surge Best code hoppers 59:45 - Round 24 preview and tipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus doesn't hold back this week, firing up about the Panthers trainer controversy, over-the-top try celebrations, and declaring the NRL competition is tighter than ever.  From Sam Backo’s legacy to the Eels' dark horse potential and whether the Dolphins could storm into premiership glory, plus a fiery finals preview, Gus covers a lot! 00:00 - Welcome  Gus’ eye surgery Sam Backo  Top teams go down 04:30 - Yes No No  Fans that got to Magic Round over the weekend deserve free entry all year round Adam Doueihi’s best position is halfback No Herbie = No Dolphins Jayden Campbell should have been allowed to take the conversion again 23:30 - Wests Tigers sanctioned  27:00 - #AskGus for TAB Which players careers have been cut short? What is Fletcher Sharpe’s ceiling? Can the Eels be a dark horse next year? What has happened to Manly? 40:30 - Ampol Power Surge Top 3 Indigenous players 47:00 - NRL and NRLW tips and previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus boldly predicts the Raiders will finish as minor premiers and have a very good chance to go all the way. Lachlan Galvin is likely to have a tough afternoon against his old side, the Wests Tigers, as Gus highlights the young player’s level-headedness. The Melbourne Storm’s premiership chances without Jahrome Hughes are debated, alongside speculation about Ryan Papenhuyzen’s potential move to Rugby360, with Gus emphasising that “money isn’t everything.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this #AskGus edition, Gus gives his unfiltered take on everything from marathon warm-ups to the Bunnies shot at a premiership under Wayne Bennett. He reflects on the evolution of player development, reveals he’s been calling footy with dodgy eyesight for years, and shares a laugh-out-loud story about the time one of his players got literally lost on a pre-game jog at Leichhardt Oval. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus shares his thoughts on the growing impact of rule changes in the game. He also makes a strong case for the international growth of rugby league, suggesting that Origin/NRL eligibility shouldn't limit a player's chance to represent their country. And yes, there's even a light-hearted look at the Bulldogs’ latest haircut trends. 00:00 - Welcome  Nailbiting finishes NRL golfers  04:00 - Yes No No Des Hasler will be remembered as a legend of the game  Warriors and Knights was a finish from the footy gods  Blayke Brailey is the best hooker in the comp right now 19:00 - The consequences of changing the rules Protecting general play kickers  Gus warned Joey and Freddy about it 23:00 - The Kangaroos and international teams  Eligibility  Gus is a big advocate for players to play international football 30:00 - Angus Bowen  Bulldogs haircuts  35:00 - Ampol Power Surge Best English players  44:00 - NRLW and NRL tips See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kalyn Ponga & Adam O'Brien's future is on the agenda as Gus takes a deep dive into the issues at the Newcastle Knights.   Plus, how soon will Josh Hannay take a head coaching job, the impact of Munster on Origin and Gus pays tribute to Kieran Foran's NRL career.   00:00 - Welcome  Gal and SBW fight British Open  05:00 - Yes No No 05:10 - Kieran Foran will be one of the most resilient players  06:30 - Toby Rudolf saved the Sharks season 10:00 - Cam Munster will go down as an Origin great 15:00 - Josh Hannay will be a head coach next year 18:00 - Newcastle Knights  Adam O’Brien and the Knights likely to part ways Kalyn Ponga has committed to stay until the end of contract The importance of development and having Newcastle in the competition  Dylan Brown signing  Could the Knights let Ponga go? 35:15 - Rugby 360  39:00 - #AskGus for TAB Fullback role  Scrums  57:00 - Ampol Power Surge Individual Origin performances 01:01:00 - Round 20 tipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready for a special bonus episode of Six Tackles with Gus! Mat Thompson and Gus Gould are joined by NSW Blues legend Andrew 'ET' Ettingshausen for a fantastic trip down memory lane. Hear incredible stories and insights straight from ET himself as they chat about his illustrious playing career, from his early days to his defining moments in Origin and international rugby league.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.