Advertise on podcast: Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager

Seven years of torment finally put to bed AFTER 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 - Start 02:43 - Speaking for the first time 04:29 - The day Jack was arrested 07:06 - Victim of No Fault Stand Down Policy 08:14 - Trails begin 12:10 - Police raid on Jack's home 15:09 - 'Top secret' Todd Greenberg meeting 17:22 - Psyche of a footballer 20:49 - Public & players throwing mud 24:00 - Testicular cancer diagnosis 26:05 - The day Jack was cleared 28:09 - First game back 31:04 - Love for the Dragons 34:48 - Heartbreak at leaving Dragons 41:27 - State of Origin & Kangaroos 43:05 - PNG connection 46:53 - Unconventional training 49:38 - Being a good father 50:05 - Caught having a BBQ during Covid 54:45 - Best coaches played under 58:26 - No premierships 01:02:05 - 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 - Start 01:47 - How Lara got into RL 05:41 - Conflict when supporting a team 06:45 - Moving in front of the camera 11:00 - Weekly schedule for an RL journo 13:19 - Hosting Dally M 14:12 - Press conference challenges 20:13 - Dressing rooms as a female 26:39 - Getting barred by players & coaches 27:47 - Mentors in the game 29:21 - Women in League 31:12 - Lara's family life 36:44 - Love for Vossy 41:32 - Growth of the women's game 45:33 - Lara's charity work 48:02 - 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 - Start 02:18 - Back to the beginning 07:22 - Growing up in Walgett 10:24 - Getting professional with footy 15:13 - Making Australian Schoolboys 18:54 - The defining phone call 27:21 - Joining North Sydney Bears 30:53 - Moving to Dragons 40:02 - Roy Masters as a coach 41:01 - State of Origin & injury 43:36 - '92 & '93 GF appearances 45:46 - Tina Turner commercial 48:42 - Ricky Walford Shield competition 51:21 - 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 - Start 01:25 - Raiders in 2025 02:00 - 2 x Clive Churchill medalist 03:40 - Sam Backo passing 05:28 - Being a movie star 07:26 - Tina Turner advert 09:00 - Horse riding accident 11:20 - Early days & AFL 13:55 - First grade debut 18:50 - 1989 GF memories 22:16 - 1994 GF memories 25:25 - Comparing past & present Raiders 28:29 - Canberra creating Super Coaches 33:25 - Moving to Bulldogs 36:57 - New corporate role 41:07 - Captaincy for Raiders & Australia 44:47 - Family of League Foundation 49:10 - 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 - Start 03:11 - Back to the beginning 10:55 - 'Brutal game back then' 11:50 - South Sydney's mighty era 15:10 - Famous 1967 intercept 17:49 - Coached by Clive Churchill 19:50 - Rabbitohs super side 23:08 - 'Unlosable' 1969 GF 29:00 - John Sattler breaking his jaw 38:42 - Meeting Judy 40:15 - Huge losses in the fires 46:15 - Being sent off 52:18 - Coaching career 01:00:15 - 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 - Start 02:09 - Jada's famous try 09:10 - Origin camp 10:29 - Female heroes in league 16:49 - Growing up with RL 26:43 - Working in the media 28:18 - Women going full time in RL 31:49 - Jada's numerous injuries 34:33 - Pregnancy & the professional game 40:32 - Playing rugby sevens 48:50 - 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 - Start 01:22 - What is Find Ya Feet? 04:32 - Back story to struggles 13:49 - Find Ya Feet ambassadors 21:08 - Workshops at schools 25:16 - Old school teaching for the better 28:37 - Feedback from schools 31:01 - Partnering with Matthew Hayden 34:55 - Partnering with Mitch Marsh 39:22 - Holding on to pain & suffering 42:09 - Working in the rugby league space 45:13 - Best advice to someone who is struggling 49:11 - 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 - Start 02:10 - Claim to fame 07:10 - How Clovelly became THE pub for NRL 10:30 - Maroons meet the Blues at Clovelly 13:59 - Mad Monday's 16:10 - Banning sports stars 18:21 - Origin teams coming into the pub 21:38 - Which sport stars eat the most 25:39 - Most famous people in the pub 27:55 - The 'toilet' incident 31:05 - NSW Cricket team vs pub drinkers 35:45 - What makes a good publican 41:40 - RSA & the gray area 45:25 - Sport runs in the family 54:55 - 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 - Start 01:10 - 1994 Kangaroo Tour 04:15 - Passion for coaching 06:55 - Becoming an administrator 09:35 - Tough questions about Bellamy 18:45 - The story behind the success of the Storm 21:30 - Storm recruiting process 24:10 - Junior RL in Melbourne 28:00 - 2011 season 30:25 - Bellamy and salary cap scandal 36:45 - Importance of grass roots 38:35 - Ryan Papenhuyzen 42:35 - Smith & Slater coaching club footy one day 45:25 - Laurie Daley & the Blues 52:55 - Players carrying injuries 55:15 - 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 - Start 02:05 - Knee injuries & reconstructions 04:58 - Early days & family 08:48 - Rugby League in Cobar 15:25 - First noticed by scouts 19:40 - First knee injury 22:00 - Grand final memories 26:15 - Playing for Kangaroos 29:30 - How Nik describes himself as a player 30:35 - Battles with Manly 31:00 - Becoming a pub owner 38:27 - Going into the mines 41:42 - 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 - Start 01:07 - How Danny got into journalism 06:52 - The art of cold calling 12:05 - Fall outs with Gus Gould 15:39 - Sonny Bill & Anthony Mundine 20:08 - Making enemies 23:39 - Big stories broken 35:02 - Trailblazer into TV journalism 43:57 - 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 - Start 01:43 - Cooma Colts 10:46 - Brett's injuries 13:21 - Melbourne Storm come knocking 15:07 - 'I quit footy' 23:55 - What makes Craig Bellamy so special 27:22 - Fight with Ben Ross 29:33 - Fight with Steve Price 31:20 - Bitten by Fuifui Moimoi 33:26 - Storm salary cap scandal 39:40 - Origin & Kangaroos 42:07 - Playing for Ireland 45:02 - Going to Raiders 46:43 - 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 - Start 01:44 - Former NRL star 06:59 - How the NRL regulates agents 08:42 - Galvin saga 14:00 - Agents for coaches 20:29 - Importance of good relationships with clubs 25:04 - The 'sell' to young players 29:44 - Language & culture barriers 32:16 - Evolution of the women's game 34:49 - Trade windows & drafts 41:38 - Crisis management with players 42:53 - Todd Carney bubbler 44:52 - Clubs big pitch to players 52:47 - Good day for an agent? 01:00:40 - Rules for acquiring new players 01:04:13 - NRL agent accreditation review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.