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As the nation prepares to pay tribute to our service people, we sit down with former 2nd Commando Damien Thomlinson for an unforgettable conversation on survival, perspective, and true toughness. Plus, we break down a massive week in the NRL: the Dragons enter a new era with Dean Young at the helm and Kade Reed set for his debut, Latrell Mitchell’s stunning form, and the mounting injury toll ahead of the State of Origin series. Don’t forget the Billy Slater Podcast every Monday and Stories of Origin Season 5 with Nathan Cleary available Monday 27 April. Six Tackles with Gus is thank to TAB. 01:00 – ANZAC Round: Honouring sacrifice. 06:00 – Latrell Mitchell: Is he currently the best fullback in the game? 09:00 – Injury update: The toll ahead of Origin. 13:00 – The Storm: Are they in danger of missing the 8? 16:00 – Kieran Foran: Coach of the Year contender? 17:00 – Dean Young: The right man to lead the Dragons? 24:00 – Kade Reed’s NRL debut. 28:00 – NRLW Queensland Origin team discussion. 30:00 – Feature Interview: Former 2nd Commando Damien Thomlinson. 44:00 – Round 8 Preview  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus Ask Gus episode, Phil 'Gus' Gould dives into the mailbag to tackle everything from recruitment philosophy to Rugby League history. We explore the 'Moneyball' philosophy - is there a secret similarity between the Oakland A’s approach and the current Bulldogs rebuild? Gus also gives his hypothetical take on who the Dragons should head-hunt if they had an open cheque book for 2026, and reflects on the incredible talent nursery of Logan City, including some memories of the legendary Tommy Raudonikis. This week’s questions: Joshua David: Should the Anzac Test return? Michael Chariton: How did coaches get messages to the team back in the day? Back in Black n’ White: Does the Bulldogs' recruitment mirror the Moneyball philosophy? Neil Perkins: If the Dragons had the cash, who is the one player they should buy right now? Dale Ireland: Memories of the Logan City league nursery and Tommy Raudonikis' time with the Scorpions. If you want your question answered, send it in via Instagram or Facebook to NRL on 9. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is this the wildest start to a season ever? The Wests Tigers are equal first, the Melbourne Storm have lost four in a row, and the ladder is completely upside down. In this episode, Gus and Mat break down: Api Koroisau: Despite being one of the premier hookers in the game and a proven winner, Api Koroisau is still waiting for his Origin opportunity. The Storm Slump: Is the Bellamy era facing its toughest test yet? Origin Bolters: Is Jacob Preston the man to replace Liam Martin for NSW? The Points Explosion: Why nearly 50% of games are clearing 50 points this year. Injury Crisis: Does Parramatta’s bad luck prove we need a loan system? Plus, we look ahead to a massive Round 7 where the Tigers go in as favourites against the Broncos, and we announce details for our Six Tackles Live Origin Special at The Locker Room! Don’t forget the Billy Slater Podcast every Monday and Stories of Origin Season 5 coming soon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil "Gus" Gould and Mathew Thompson dive into the physical evolution of the NRL. From the "diminutive" magic of Alfie Langer and Geoff Toovey to the massive stature of modern playmakers like 6'4" Lachlan Galvin, Gus explains why the "little man" is being blasted out of the front line. Plus, a look at Nathan Cleary’s "majestic" form and why he needs an Origin series win to cement his legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Six Tackles with Gus, Phil Gould reveals the startling results on a team after a loss to Penrith.  As we head into a massive Easter Long Weekend of footy, Gus weighs in on the Brookvale dramas as pressure mounts at Manly and questions whether Shane Flanagan is already on the chopping block at the winless Dragons. Plus, we look ahead to the annual Good Friday blockbuster between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs at Accor Stadium, discuss why Newcastle’s rise is a coaching masterstroke, and Gus shares a surprising story about interviewing Kieran Foran for a coaching role. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Ask Gus Questions. Gus breaks down whether Tannah Boyd is the most improved player in the game right now, and what’s behind his rise. He looks at the Tigers’ chances without Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi. There’s pressure talk too. Should Shane Flanagan be feeling the heat? And could tensions between Gorden Tallis and the Broncos faithful really be sorted over a beer? Plus, a look ahead at the future of the game. What does the NRL look like in 10 years? How might the season structure evolve, and what challenges could things like travel and fuel costs create? And one of the big debates in the modern game, suspensions versus fines. Has Gus changed his stance? If you want your question answered, send it in via Instagram or Facebook to NRLonNine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 preview See 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 Preview See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look back at the best of #AskGus from 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.