Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager

Seven years of torment finally put to bedAFTER seven long years, St George Illawarra star Jack Debelin has finally tasted justice.Last week’s sentencing of the lead detective who oversaw the rape allegation case against him was convicted of perjury after lying to the court while giving evidence.In this episode of Chiming In, Debelin speaks for the very first time.He shares his fears and frustration throughout the trial process and the relief he felt when the charges were finally dismissed.He talks about his love for the Dragons, his disappointment of not being offered a contract and his dreams of winning a premiership with his new club - Parramatta.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start02:43 - Speaking for the first time04:29 - The day Jack was arrested07:06 - Victim of No Fault Stand Down Policy08:14 - Trails begin12:10 - Police raid on Jack's home15:09 - 'Top secret' Todd Greenberg meeting17:22 - Psyche of a footballer20:49 - Public & players throwing mud24:00 - Testicular cancer diagnosis26:05 - The day Jack was cleared28:09 - First game back31:04 - Love for the Dragons34:48 - Heartbreak at leaving Dragons41:27 - State of Origin & Kangaroos43:05 - PNG connection46:53 - Unconventional training49:38 - Being a good father50:05 - Caught having a BBQ during Covid54:45 - Best coaches played under58:26 - No premierships01:02:05 - Singing the team song Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a teenager the talented journalist could be found sitting on the hill whenever the St George Dragons had a home game at Kogarah Oval.After falling in love with the game, Pitt reveals how she navigated a pathway into the media and hasn’t looked back.Highly respected and well liked, Lara Pitt has become a household name in journalism since linking with Fox Sports almost 20 years ago.In this episode of Chiming In, she shares her journey, her plans for the future and what it’s like working in what was once regard a male dominated industry.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:47 - How Lara got into RL05:41 - Conflict when supporting a team06:45 - Moving in front of the camera11:00 - Weekly schedule for an RL journo13:19 - Hosting Dally M14:12 - Press conference challenges20:13 - Dressing rooms as a female26:39 - Getting barred by players & coaches27:47 - Mentors in the game29:21 - Women in League31:12 - Lara's family life36:44 - Love for Vossy41:32 - Growth of the women's game45:33 - Lara's charity work48:02 - Tips for young journos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every rugby league player has a story but few have overcome more humble beginnings than dashing try scoring winger Ricky Walford.Born and raised in Western NSW, Walford became a household name in the 1980s, plying his trade with Eastern Suburbs, North Sydney and St George.In this episode of Chiming In, Walford talks openly about a his journey after being raised on a mission before finding his way to the bright lights of Sydney.The way he articulates the challenges he overcame to get to the top will inspire you.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start02:18 - Back to the beginning07:22 - Growing up in Walgett 10:24 - Getting professional with footy15:13 - Making Australian Schoolboys18:54 - The defining phone call27:21 - Joining North Sydney Bears30:53 - Moving to Dragons40:02 - Roy Masters as a coach41:01 - State of Origin & injury43:36 - '92 & '93 GF appearances45:46 - Tina Turner commercial48:42 - Ricky Walford Shield competition51:21 - Working for NSWRL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brad Clyde can’t hide his excitement as his beloved Canberra Raiders storm towards their first premiership since 1994.The former champion lock forward knows better than most what it takes to win a competition.Rated as one of the best players of all time, Clyde burst onto the rugby league scene in the late 1980s before becoming a household name through the 1990s.He played in three grand finals and was awarded the Clive Churchill medal on two occasions. He played a key role in Canberra’s 1989 grand final win over Balmain - which is regarded by many as the greatest grand final of all time.In this episode of Chiming In, Clyde shares his thoughts on Canberra’s amazing charge to the top of the ladder this year and explains why his former team-mate Ricky Stuart was always going to become a super coach.He also talks about his amazing career and some of the incredible characters he met along the way.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:25 - Raiders in 202502:00 - 2 x Clive Churchill medalist03:40 - Sam Backo passing05:28 - Being a movie star07:26 - Tina Turner advert09:00 - Horse riding accident11:20 - Early days & AFL13:55 - First grade debut18:50 - 1989 GF memories22:16 - 1994 GF memories25:25 - Comparing past & present Raiders28:29 - Canberra creating Super Coaches33:25 - Moving to Bulldogs36:57 - New corporate role41:07 - Captaincy for Raiders & Australia44:47 - Family of League Foundation49:10 - Concessions for one club players Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob McCarthy is considered one of the greatest rugby league players of all time.He’s captained Australia, won premierships for Souths and was made a Member of the British Empire for his services to the sport.In this episode of Chiming In, McCarthy shares stories of the Rabbitohs’ glory days where he played alongside greats like John Sattler, John O’Neill, Mike Cleary and Eric Simms.He also speaks openly about the day he and his wife Judy almost lost their lives in the Black Summer bushfires in 2020.A wonderful storyteller and an outstanding sportsman, McCarthy will entertain you about footy from yesteryear.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start03:11 - Back to the beginning10:55 - 'Brutal game back then'11:50 - South Sydney's mighty era15:10 - Famous 1967 intercept17:49 - Coached by Clive Churchill19:50 - Rabbitohs super side23:08 - 'Unlosable' 1969 GF29:00 - John Sattler breaking his jaw38:42 - Meeting Judy40:15 - Huge losses in the fires46:15 - Being sent off52:18 - Coaching career01:00:15 - Highlight of career Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todd Carney was once the undisputed Bad Boy of the NRL.Constantly in trouble with police, sacked by clubs and deregistered by the game - Carney struggled with an alcohol addiction and constantly found trouble.But things have changed.Two and a half years ago, the former Dally M Winner decided he needed help and checked himself into rehab in a desperate bid to save his relationship with partner Susie.Today Todd Carney is living a healthy and happy life - giving back to the game and helping others.In this episode of Chiming In, the former Canberra, Sydney Rooster and Cronulla star, shares his journey in a polarising discussion - leaving no stone unturned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jada Taylor announced herself to the rugby league world on June 23, 2022 when she ran from try line to try line to score a game breaking try for NSW against Queensland in an Under 19s match.If you haven’t seen it - you should google it.Millions of fans viewed the try both here and abroad - even movie star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson acknowledged her achievement.FanaticsTV viewers might have already met Jada Taylor on Kenty Blitz, Footy For Real or Fox Sports where she is making a name for herself as an emerging media talent.But who is this bubbly and energetic young lady who is regarded one of the most promising players in the NRLW.On this episode of Chiming In, Jada Taylor shares her story. You will be entertained from start to finish as she takes a light hearted look at her career and her plans for the future.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start02:09 - Jada's famous try09:10 - Origin camp10:29 - Female heroes in league16:49 - Growing up with RL26:43 - Working in the media28:18 - Women going full time in RL31:49 - Jada's numerous injuries34:33 - Pregnancy & the professional game40:32 - Playing rugby sevens48:50 - Fast questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Herschell is fast becoming one of the best known names in Australian sport. And he hasn’t had to make a tackle, sink a putt or wield the willow to catch the headlines.The founder of a charity called Findyafeet - Tommy and his team run school, sporting and community based workshops for people young and old.It provides a platform for people to tell their story, the skills to own their stuff and the tools to shift culture that’s been holding them back from speaking up for far too long.Today rugby league stars Nico Hynes, Luke Lewis, Harry Grant, Sam Thaiday and Dale Finucane have all teamed with the charity to lend a hand.Other famous athletes including Matthew Hayden, Sam Riley, Mitch and Shaun Marsh, Ky Hurst, Geoff Huegill and many others have also joined the cause.This year Tommy has begun working with several NRL clubs and the results have been astounding.You will be motivated and moved by this episode of Chiming In which brings a different but emotional perspective to life. Hopefully Tommy’s message may help you as you travel life’s journey.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:22 - What is Find Ya Feet?04:32 - Back story to struggles13:49 - Find Ya Feet ambassadors21:08 - Workshops at schools25:16 - Old school teaching for the better28:37 - Feedback from schools31:01 - Partnering with Matthew Hayden34:55 - Partnering with Mitch Marsh39:22 - Holding on to pain & suffering42:09 - Working in the rugby league space45:13 - Best advice to someone who is struggling49:11 - Grand plan for Find Ya Feet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Tate is one of Sydney’s best known publicans - you name it, he’s seen it.In the 1990s Tate owned and ran the Clovelly Hotel, deep in the heart of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Rugby league, union, cricket, AFL and surf lifesaving stars would flock there - making it one of the best known sporting pubs in the country. Jockeys, trainers and bookmakers would also frequent the establishment.In this episode of Chiming In, Tate shares countless yarns about the sports men and women who often walked a fine line with a belly full of beer.The Sydney Morning Herald’s Roy Masters once described the pub as the headquarters of the NRL where all the big deals were done.Tate’s recollection of the thrills and spills at the famous pub are enlightening and entertaining.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start02:10 - Claim to fame07:10 - How Clovelly became THE pub for NRL10:30 - Maroons meet the Blues at Clovelly13:59 - Mad Monday's16:10 - Banning sports stars18:21 - Origin teams coming into the pub21:38 - Which sport stars eat the most25:39 - Most famous people in the pub27:55 - The 'toilet' incident31:05 - NSW Cricket team vs pub drinkers35:45 - What makes a good publican41:40 - RSA & the gray area45:25 - Sport runs in the family54:55 - AFL invasion and no space for junior RL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Ponissi is regarded the best general manager of footy on the business.After dreaming of becoming an nrl player and later hoping to become a head coach, Ponissi’s journey took him into administration and he’s made every post a winner. Ponissi’s journey took him all over the world until I’m 2007 the Melbourne storm came knocking and he’s never looked back.In this episode of chiming in - you will hear how the ponissi and Craig Bellamy combination is unbreakable. He talks of his intentions for the storm to continue to build a dynasty and how he and his coach crave success.He also speaks candidly about the day he genuinely feared his coach was about to walk away from rugby league forever.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:10 - 1994 Kangaroo Tour04:15 - Passion for coaching06:55 - Becoming an administrator09:35 - Tough questions about Bellamy18:45 - The story behind the success of the Storm21:30 - Storm recruiting process24:10 - Junior RL in Melbourne28:00 - 2011 season30:25 - Bellamy and salary cap scandal36:45 - Importance of grass roots38:35 - Ryan Papenhuyzen42:35 - Smith & Slater coaching club footy one day45:25 - Laurie Daley & the Blues52:55 - Players carrying injuries55:15 - Going to AFL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nik Kosef is a rugby league warhorse.No player in the history of the game has undergone four knee reconstructions - yet somehow the kid from Cobar kept climbing off the canvass.In this revealing interview on Chiming In, Kosef takes the blame for Manly’s grand final loss to Newcastle in 1997 - and explains why he shoulders the burden for the loss.It’s been an amazing roller coaster ride for the international back rower who hid his love of rugby league from his father when he was a child.So how did a kid from Western NSW find his way to the big smoke and become one of the most gifted footballers of the modern era? Listen in as this popular character shares the tale of his early upbringing, his rise to stardom and the challenges and hurdles he’s faced after football.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start02:05 - Knee injuries & reconstructions04:58 - Early days & family08:48 - Rugby League in Cobar15:25 - First noticed by scouts19:40 - First knee injury22:00 - Grand final memories26:15 - Playing for Kangaroos29:30 - How Nik describes himself as a player30:35 - Battles with Manly31:00 - Becoming a pub owner38:27 - Going into the mines41:42 - Security business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s played, coached and is now considered one of the game’s best administrators.Between all that, the man they call Gus has juggled a hugely successful media career.So what makes Gus tick?In this episode of Chiming In, Gould opens up on his journey, the highs and lows and shares some secrets of his success.Hopefully you will learn something about Gus that you never knew before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Weidler has been a rugby league journalist and television reporter for almost 40 years.It’s been a crazy journey which has seen him experience plenty of highs and lows in the industry.Recruited by Channel 9 chief David Gyngell, Weidler changed the way rugby league news was reported on TV - earning himself a reputation as hard nosed reporter who constantly broke big news stories.In a very revealing and honest assessment of his career, Weidler explains what makes a good story, how he has made some enemies and what drives him to keep going.It’s a fascinating listen as Weidler opens up on his life and love for rugby league.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:07 - How Danny got into journalism06:52 - The art of cold calling12:05 - Fall outs with Gus Gould15:39 - Sonny Bill & Anthony Mundine20:08 - Making enemies23:39 - Big stories broken35:02 - Trailblazer into TV journalism43:57 - Being in the inner sanctum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former International Brett White almost walked away from the game he loved before his professional career began.The powerful front rower embarked on his first pre-season with the Melbourne Storm 2005 when he and his team-mates were enrolled in a brutal army camp.Exhausted and hallucinating, White admits he went searching for coach Craig Bellamy in the middle of the night to tell him the sport wasn’t for him.In this episode of Chiming In, White shares how he managed to recover and go on to win two premierships with the Club as well as earn NSW and Australian honours.Today White is an aspiring Coach and works alongside Des Hasler at the Titans as well as assisting with the NSW and Australian representative teams.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:43 - Cooma Colts10:46 - Brett's injuries13:21 - Melbourne Storm come knocking15:07 - 'I quit footy'23:55 - What makes Craig Bellamy so special27:22 - Fight with Ben Ross29:33 - Fight with Steve Price31:20 - Bitten by Fuifui Moimoi33:26 - Storm salary cap scandal39:40 - Origin & Kangaroos42:07 - Playing for Ireland45:02 - Going to Raiders46:43 - Moving into coaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two of the game’s most powerful player agents Steve Gillis and David Riolo go toe to toe in a cutting and raw-edged debate about the world they live in.The veteran agents - with almost 60 years experience in the industry between them - share their secrets, what it’s like working as an agent, the highs and the lows and the key to their success.It’s a not to be missed episode of Chiming In which will give you an insight into player managers and the lives they lead.The duo discuss all the big issues and answer questions such as should coaches be allowed to have agents, the minimum age for signing players, trade windows, recruitment and the many troubles players constantly face.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:44 - Former NRL star06:59 - How the NRL regulates agents08:42 - Galvin saga14:00 - Agents for coaches20:29 - Importance of good relationships with clubs25:04 - The 'sell' to young players29:44 - Language & culture barriers32:16 - Evolution of the women's game34:49 - Trade windows & drafts41:38 - Crisis management with players42:53 - Todd Carney bubbler44:52 - Clubs big pitch to players52:47 - Good day for an agent?01:00:40 - Rules for acquiring new players01:04:13 - NRL agent accreditation review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Canterbury centre Ben Harris holds a unique record in rugby league having won back to back premierships in two hemispheres.He is the only player in the game’s history to have done this - winning the 2004 NRL premiership with Canterbury and the English Super League the following year with Bradford.After growing up on a dairy farm and finding his way to Sydney, Ben shares his experience of debuting as an 18-year-old, winning his first championship as a 20-year-old and then heading to play in England at age 21.Injury saw him retire at aged 27 before he embarked on a new career - as a pilot.Find out how a kid from Taree who failed to complete school, now flys commercial jet airlines and is loving life.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:44 - Back to back premierships02:40 - Country upbringing07:58 - Debut for Dogs13:17 - Moving to Super League20:03 - Coming back to Cowboys21:43 - Becoming a pilot31:48 - Scares while flying41:30 - Still being connected to Dogs43:31 - 2004 Dos scandal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Garlick has that Midas touch.He’s worked as an actor, a professional rugby league player, a police officer, a sports commentator and now runs a hugely successful business - Garlo’s Pies.Hard work and good fortune has seen Sean Garlick succeed beyond his wildest expectations.In this episode of Chiming In, the former South Sydney and Roosters skipper, shares the secrets of his success - including how he stumbled into an acting career and almost became a jockey instead of a footy star.He also shares his thoughts on the Bali Bombing - in which some of his closest friends perished - and explains how he escaped the explosion by sheer good fortune.It’s compelling listening and a not be missed episode.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:54 - Growing up & rugby league08:37 - Being a police officer & a professional footy player14:19 - Going to South Sydney16:02 - Joining the Roosters22:40 - Back to Souths28:28 - Acting career34:08 - Bali bombings41:17 - Starting Garlo's Pies57:51 - Sean's son Bronson Garlick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashton Sims boasts an imposing record, having played 368 professional games of rugby league.Sims represented five clubs - St George Illawarra, Brisbane, North Queensland, Warrington and Toronto Canada during a 17 year career.He debuted as an 18 year old, played for Country and Fiji and was regarded a hard working and imposing forward with a great off-load.In this episode of Chiming In, Sims shares stories of his upbringing, how former Australian great Craig Young befriended and mentored him as a teenager, how Mick Cronin showed him the right path to follow in life and how he made countless friends throughout his journey.Sims is today making a name for himself as a rugby league administrator and his best days in league might still be ahead of him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Max King was born to play rugby league. His great-grandfather, grandfather and dad all played first grade footy.King's dream of following in their footsteps didn’t go to plan. In fact, it appeared all-but certain his career had come to a halt at the end of 2021 when an Achilles tendon injury failed to respond to treatment.Frustrated and without a Club, King explains how he was ready to retire until Canterbury’s Phil Gould threw him a life-line and the rest is history.King has now arrived as NSW State of Origin representative and may be be destined for greater honours.In this episode of Chiming In, King explains what inspired him to rise off the canvass, the secrets to his success and his relationship with God.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:19 - State of Origin selection02:29 - Footy in the blood07:52 - How Max got into RL10:04 - Junior footy career15:28 - Going to Gold Coast Titans18:03 - Moving to Melbourne Storm25:40 - Achilles injury ending career?30:54 - Being a devout Christian38:07 - Meeting Christy at church46:35 - Max's heart problem51:27 - Bulldogs in 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Currently the second highest point scorer in the history of the game, Reynolds has some big decisions to make regarding his future as clubs circle to lure him away from the Brisbane broncosIn this episode of chiming in - the premiership winning halfback talks about his future, his desire to coach in the NRL and what he considers to be the best day of his footballing career. It will surprise you.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:26 - Adam's fashion label02:30 - New deal or retirement?9:28 - Coaching after footy15:09 - NFL dreams & kicking25:50 - Sledging from fans31:21 - Adam's tattoos34:06 - Writing the book37:38 - Playing for the Blues40:08 - Wrestle with Pat49:00 - PNG51:43 - Broncos in 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.