Six Tackles With Gus

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.

Gus dissects the Origin decider and explains why he believes Queensland have enough to question the Blues, listen and find out who he thinks can pull this big moment off. Plus Gus is joined by a surprise former Origin star he used to coach. 00:00 - Welcome  Gus’ mail is that all NSW will play The main concern is Payne Haas 03:00 - Queensland Where does Shibasaki’s inclusion rank in terms of surprise selections? Underdogs  09:30 - New South Wales Blues will win comfortably  11:30 - #AskGus Difference between preparing for Game 1 vs Game 3 Wet and greasy conditions on Wednesday night Origin can do funny things to you 29:00 - Special Origin Surprise Guest 59:00 - Ampol Power Sure  Origin predictions  1:01:30 - Round 19 preview and tips See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's #AskGus Questions; What are important qualities for a coach to succeed? What position is most important to fill first for the Bears? Is Connor Tracey underrated?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 inspired choice 25:00 - State of Origin Gus on Game 2 Hammer an inspired choice at fullback Gus on bringing back players out of retirement 39:00 - 1992 Origin series  43:00 - Sharks woes 48:00 - Ampol Power Surge Top 3 venues to watch the footy  54:00 - NRLW 57:00 - Round 18 tips  1:04:00 - Australian coaching jobSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Manly’s backline reshuffle with Tommy Turbo, and a bold rule change Freddy would introduce next season. Plus, his proudest Origin debut moment, toughest opponents, and the rivalries that still give him chills. 00:00 - Welcome  Special Guest: Freddy!  Beanies for Brain cancer Origin decider - any changes? 05:30 - Yes No No  Panthers can win a fifth premiership  Isaiah Iongi can win rookie of the year Time to change the Sharks halves 11:15 - Selwyn Cobbo contract 15:15 - Manly Sea Eagles 18:15 - Jack De Belin  21:15 - Freddy could’ve been a Parrramatta Eel 22:30 - Fletcher Sharpe  24:45 - Australian coaching job  30:00 - #AskGusFreddy Biggest factor that contributed to QLD Game 2 win?  Player Freddy was most proud to give Origin debut to Toughest player to come up against in playing career New rule to implement for next year 38:00 - Ampol Power Surge Top 3 rivalries 41:30 - Round 17 tips See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 from Perth  Perth Bears Poor schedule for Panthers this weekend Lightning delay in Bulldogs Souths game Round 15 results  04:00 - QLD Perth form wont matter QLD changes: Capewell into team  Gus is not sure QLD have addressed the issues from Game 1 11:30 - NSW Mitch Moses out, Jarome Luai in Max King starting, Stefano to bench 22:00 - Kurt Mann  24:00 - Kalyn Ponga 26:00 - The mental side of the game 30:00 - #AskGus Pat Carrigan to the bench Is Billy’s job in trouble if they lose game 2 What is the biggest danger for NSW heading into this game 35:30 - Ampol Power surge Which players will have a game changing moment  39:00 - Final predictionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 the Tigers The Panthers are coming 18:30 - Origin Game 2 Cam Munster captaincy  Dearden in for DCE Blues side 29:00 - Ampol Power Surge  35:30 - Round 15 PreviewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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   49:35 - Round 14 preview  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.