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Newcastle’s fairytale meets the Roosters’ finals experience as Gus delivers his grand final verdict. He reflects on the Knights’ extraordinary win over Penrith, Phoenix Crossland’s absence and Nathan Cleary’s season, plus shares a classic Andrew Johns story from 2001. There’s also grand final trivia and previews of the NRLW and State Championship deciders. 00:00 Grand final week00:46 Inside Newcastle’s extraordinary win03:59 Penrith’s injuries and the Knights’ belief06:54 Records set to fall07:28 Silverchair and Newcastle’s groundswell of support09:32 Phoenix Crossland’s absence and the hip-drop debate12:06 Newcastle’s depth and Penrith’s painful exit13:39 Who wins the Clive Churchill Medal?14:43 Ali Brigginshaw and the NRLW grand final16:52 Dally M results and Nathan Cleary’s season19:44 Penrith’s next chapter20:37 Grand final trivia22:23 Gus’s Andrew Johns story from 200124:30 Clive Churchill winners and the Royce Simmons argument26:52 Rugby league’s greatest grand final fairytales28:41 Why Gus is backing the Roosters32:52 Team news and Daly Cherry-Evans33:28 Newcastle’s dummy-half options and defensive strength35:33 Why the first 20 minutes matter36:48 Gus’s final tips37:05 State Championship preview38:05 Grand final entertainment and season farewell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Gallen steps in for Gus as Mat Thompson previews a huge preliminary final weekend.  Can the Dolphins overcome the Roosters, and can Newcastle’s fairytale continue against Penrith? Gal gives his tips, assesses the Sharks’ season and explains why he’s returning to the boxing ring. Plus, a classic Ricky Stuart story and a quiz testing Gal’s knowledge of his own career. 00:00 Six Tackles with Gal: Gallen replaces injured Gus02:27 Why Gal is returning to boxing04:03 Boxing heroes and Mike Tyson stories06:03 Marathons, charity walks and a pie-eating contest07:29 Graduation celebrations08:44 Grand final entertainment and Nolsey’s Origin encounter10:48 Yes or No11:57 Can the Dolphins handle preliminary final pressure?12:53 Nathan Cleary’s fitness15:08 Why the Roosters are hitting their straps17:47 Who deserves Coach of the Year?20:46 Latrell Mitchell and the Perth Bears speculation24:48 What’s missing at the Sharks?28:48 Ask Gal: preparing for a preliminary final32:17 Ricky Stuart’s brutal training challenge36:09 How well does Gal know his own career?40:02 NRLW preliminary final predictions41:21 Dolphins v Roosters43:41 Panthers v Knights45:35 Gal’s boxing comeback and approach to trash talk47:46 Farewell   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With four preliminary final spots on the line, Gus and Mat Thompson preview Roosters v Sharks and Warriors v Knights. Can the Roosters bounce back from their bruising clash with Penrith, and will Kalyn Ponga inspire Newcastle to an upset in Auckland? Gus reveals the two key inclusions that could swing his Warriors tip, assesses the Dolphins’ premiership chances and discusses Nathan Cleary’s fitness. Plus, a look inside Canterbury’s end-of-season review and another chapter in the infamous skunk story. 00:00 Welcome: finals week two01:22 Wests Tigers’ NRLW turnaround02:51 Ranking the opening weekend of finals04:40 Gus: let the game breathe13:25 Can the Dolphins win the premiership?14:34 Herbie Farnworth and the Hammer’s strike power18:42 Will finals fatigue hurt the Roosters?20:02 Nathan Cleary’s injury concerns22:24 The science behind the skunk story23:39 Yes or No: Millie Elliott and Corban Baxter’s legacy25:45 Kalyn Ponga’s brilliance and leadership33:29 Are finals tickets too expensive?39:03 Ask Gus: which teams will regret their season?42:22 Inside the Bulldogs’ end-of-season review52:10 Gus shares his data and graphs56:13 Six Tackles Trivia58:45 NRLW finals and NRL preview59:36 Roosters v Sharks1:03:22 Warriors v Knights1:10:07 Potential preliminary final matchups1:10:23 Weekend coverage and farewell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus and Mathew Thompson revisit rugby league’s wild old end-of-season trips before Darrell “The Big Marn” Brohman joins them to tell the unforgettable story of Peter Kelly’s encounter with a skunk. Plus, Gus delivers his verdict on the NRL finals, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of every leading contender and reveals why Penrith remain the team to beat. 00:00 NRL finals have arrived01:19 Mad Monday then and now03:47 The Bulldogs’ legendary overseas trips06:06 Gus’s life lesson - don’t wrestle with a skunk10:40 Rugby league rallies around Jai Arrow13:19 Darrell Brohman joins the show14:10 Darrell tells the full skunk story18:02 Memories from the Bulldogs’ trip20:30 One final warning about skunks21:14 Yes or No - Canberra’s exciting future24:49 Should finals be played at suburban grounds?31:03 Isaah Yeo’s remarkable recovery33:38 Assessing the NRL finals contenders34:14 Penrith Panthers - strength, weakness and X-factor42:34 New Zealand Warriors - strength, weakness and X-factor48:03 Dolphins - strength, weakness and X-factor56:04 Sydney Roosters - strength, weakness and X-factor01:01:34 Can a bottom-four team win the premiership?01:02:02 Six Tackles Trivia01:05:59 NRLW Round 1101:06:34 Rabbitohs v Knights01:09:13 Warriors v Dolphins01:11:31 Sharks v Cowboys01:16:28 Panthers v Roosters01:18:04 Gus predicts the finals01:19:16 The infamous “Sic ’em, Rex” commercial01:20:45 Gus’s final life lessons See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Gould and Mathew Thompson break down the final round of the NRL regular season as the Warriors and Panthers battle for the minor premiership. Gus explains why Lachlan Galvin’s rapid rise is unlike anything he has seen from a young half, assesses the legacies of Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, Josh Papalii and Jarome Luai, and names his team of the year. The pair also revisit their preseason predictions, examine whether Cronulla can recover in time for the finals and preview every Round 27 match. 00:00 Round 27 and the minor premiership race01:06 Bulldogs finish the season with promise03:06 Lachlan Galvin’s remarkable season03:26 Why young halfbacks need development time07:19 Galvin’s extraordinary leap into the NRL09:45 When halfbacks reach their prime10:48 Adam Reynolds’ Brisbane legacy13:11 Payne Haas prepares to leave Brisbane17:05 Josh Papalii’s Canberra legacy19:28 Jarome Luai’s complicated Tigers legacy22:25 PNG and the changing player market25:06 Can the Tigers replace Luai?27:39 Six Tackles team of the year41:46 Revisiting Gus’ preseason predictions44:24 Can Cronulla recover before the finals?48:48 The danger of resting players51:03 Six Tackles trivia53:01 NRLW news and Round 27 preview54:27 Titans v Dolphins57:21 Rabbitohs v Roosters and Jai Arrow’s milestone01:00:58 Warriors v Sea Eagles01:02:51 Cowboys v Raiders01:03:31 Sharks v Storm01:05:04 Dragons v Eels01:06:31 Panthers v Tigers01:08:24 The selection debate turns to golf01:09:04 Gus’ Bob Fulton golf-cart story See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad “Freddy” Fittler fills in for Phil Gould alongside Mat Thompson for a special edition of Six Tackles with Gus. Freddy ranks the NRL premiership contenders and reveals his number-one team heading into the finals. He also predicts the PNG Chiefs will reach the finals in their inaugural season, reacts to the club’s star-studded recruitment drive and debates whether the Roosters can recover from their shock loss to the Tigers. The team pays tribute to Jai Arrow ahead of an emotional South Sydney milestone, reflects on Adam Reynolds’ remarkable career and selects a hotly contested NRL team of the year. Plus, Freddy recalls Penrith’s historic 1991 premiership and previews every major game from the penultimate round of the regular season. 00:52 Freddy’s son begins his French rugby journey03:02 Jai Arrow’s emotional South Sydney milestone06:11 Freddy assesses the experimental kickoff rule09:30 Should Adam Reynolds receive a farewell game?10:38 Adam Reynolds’ remarkable career12:50 Will the PNG Chiefs make the finals immediately?14:42 Could tax-free money tempt Freddy back?15:59 Is Jacob Preston a future captain?17:23 Can the Roosters still win the premiership?18:59 The Warriors’ enormous home-finals advantage20:37 Freddy ranks the premiership contenders24:31 Mat and Freddy select their team of the year25:45 Kalyn Ponga versus James Tedesco26:00 The NRL’s most underrated winger28:30 The best forwards of the season30:24 Freddy challenges Mat’s back-row selections31:58 Why Wade Egan deserves recognition33:20 Listener tactics and field goals every set36:02 Memories of Penrith’s 1991 premiership39:09 Six Tackles trivia40:07 Round 26 and NRLW preview40:57 Broncos v Storm42:04 Sea Eagles v Dragons42:51 Panthers v Bulldogs45:11 Titans v Rabbitohs46:06 Roosters v Dolphins47:27 Cowboys v Wests Tigers48:34 Warriors v Knights48:52 Eels v Sharks49:31 Final thoughts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three rounds remain and the race to the finals is heating up. Phil Gould and Mat Thompson break down Brisbane’s dramatic fall from defending premiers, why Gus still has Penrith as his premiership favourite, and whether Souths can genuinely threaten the top sides. Plus, Gus gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what an NRL training week actually involves, and whether conferences, trade windows and a revamped Origin period could work in a 20-team competition. They also preview Round 25, revisit one of Brad Fittler’s great finals performances and remember some extraordinary goal-kicking displays from Hazem El Masri and a teenage Nathan Cleary. 00:00 - Welcome & the Logies 02:27 - The Premiership Race Takes Shape 03:35 - Can the Sharks Recover Without Braydon Trindall? 06:17 - What Is Going On With the Cowboys? 08:48 - Bulldogs' Missed Opportunity Against Souths 09:56 - Are South Sydney a Genuine Premiership Threat? 13:12 - Will Cody Walker Play On? 14:28 - Tedesco's Kangaroos Chances 15:30 - What's Broken at the Broncos? 20:07 - The Pressure of the NRL Media 22:43 - Why Gus Still Believes in Penrith 29:08 - Are Penrith in a Mini Pre-Season? 30:17 - Inside the Week of an NRL Team 33:02 - How NRL Players Spend Their Training Week 36:17 - Travel, Captain's Runs & Game-Day Preparation 38:06 - How Short Turnarounds Change an NRL Week 40:21 - Team List Tuesday & the Six-Man Bench 42:26 - Are Five-Day Turnarounds a Disadvantage? 44:29 - What Fans Don't See About NRL Players 47:24 - Could Conferences Work in the NRL? 49:17 - Does the NRL Need a Trade Window? 51:31 - Gus' Vision for Rugby League's Future 53:38 - Should Origin Be Played in Consecutive Weeks? 55:27 - Gus' Fan Mail 56:38 - Gus Discovers Amazon 58:10 - Six Tackles Trivia: Fittler's Famous Comeback 1:02:20 - Hazem El Masri's Incredible Goal-Kicking 1:05:45 - Teenage Nathan Cleary's 10 From 10 1:07:08 - Round 25 Preview & Gus' Tips 1:17:08 - A Special Panthers Reunion Coming? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Roosters have lost 11 of their past 12 games against Penrith, and Gus believes this blockbuster is their chance to prove they can beat the Panthers when it matters. Gus names Penrith, the Roosters and Warriors as his three genuine premiership contenders, explains why the Warriors have taken a giant step forward and reveals how the Panthers can cover the loss of Isaah Yeo. Plus, the latest on Corey Horsburgh’s expected move to the Perth Bears, Gus rejects the proposed third-place playoff, discusses how private player negotiations reach the media and explains what makes a great captain. Gus also previews the NRLW action and delivers his tips for every game in Round 24. 00:00 Finals arrive early with Panthers v Roosters03:57 Corey Horsburgh dropped and linked with Perth06:46 Gus rejects the third-place playoff12:45 Can Milky Jenkins break the try-scoring record?14:21 Luke Metcalf and the Warriors’ halves16:38 Why the Warriors can win the premiership20:09 When will Isaah Yeo return?21:56 How Penrith can cover Yeo’s absence27:24 Sam Walker’s future and leaked contract talks30:15 What makes a great NRL captain?31:56 The game’s emerging leaders34:39 How Brad Fittler grew into the captaincy37:55 Six Tackles Trivia40:27 NRLW preview41:46 Panthers v Roosters49:12 Sea Eagles v Dolphins51:31 Bulldogs v Rabbitohs53:03 Sharks v Raiders57:08 Eels v Cowboys59:15 Broncos v Warriors1:00:07 Knights v Titans1:00:45 Wests Tigers v Dragons1:01:03 Gus’ Round 24 tips See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The finals race is heating up and Phil Gould believes this weekend could reshape the top four. This week on Six Tackles with Gus: Can the Cowboys recover after conceding a record 82 points? Why the Warriors are Gus' upset pick against Penrith. Newcastle's incredible rise and why they're a genuine finals threat. The emotional Andrew Walker tribute ahead of Indigenous Rounds. Why Matt King is the right man to coach the NSW Blues. Round 23 tips and all your Ask Gus questions. Thanks to TAB. 00:00 Welcome & Round 23 Preview 01:17 Roosters' Record 82-12 Win Over the Cowboys 04:45 Newcastle's Rise & What's Gone Wrong at the Broncos 06:24 Andrew Walker Tribute & Indigenous Rounds Special 17:06 Is the Top Four Already Locked In? 20:29 Ali Brigginshaw Suspension Explained 21:56 Tigers vs Eels & Adam Doueihi's Response 27:29 Why Matt King Is the Right Coach for NSW 32:24 Why the Broncos Have Fallen Apart 38:02 Ask Gus 42:02 Why Cliff Lyons Was the Greatest Indigenous Player Gus Coached Against 53:41 Six Tackles Trivia 55:57 Round 23 Preview & Tips 1:08:09 Wrap Up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 coach01:15 Dean Young's vision for the Dragons04:12 Marcelo Montoya retires immediately07:20 Could Gus ever do a podcast with his wife?08:10 Judiciary fallout: Tigers, Rabbitohs & suspensions09:35 Why Achilles injuries can end seasons12:05 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 injuries24:18 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 turnaround35:28 The NRL's most underrated player?35:58 Ask Gus: Markers, play-the-balls & gamesmanship39:05 Why the NRL draw is never fair41:48 Is Cam Munster's Kangaroos spot under threat?43:52 The biggest hitters in rugby league history48:24 Should Andrew Johns coach NSW?49:34 "He probably should do it"50:56 Why Joey would galvanise the Blues56:28 Six Tackles Trivia57:23 Andrew Johns' incredible 34-point game59:58 NRLW Round 4 preview1:01:18 Eels vs Panthers1:02:00 Knights vs Roosters1:04:12 Rabbitohs vs Storm1:05:40 Raiders vs Tigers1:06:18 Bulldogs vs Warriors1:06:56 Cowboys vs Broncos1:09:02 Dragons vs Titans1:11:15 Sea Eagles vs Sharks1:13:06 Gus' full Round 21 tips1:14:28 Fritz's Wiener recommendation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

Special Guest Latrell Mitchell plus inside Blues and Maroons camp. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.