Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager

New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George has waited patiently for his club to become a major force in the NRL.

Now riding near the top of the competition ladder and respected and feared by its rivals, George confidently predicts this is the year of the Wahs.

And if they do eventually capture their first NRL title, George is entitled - more than most - to celebrate the achievement.

It was George who steered the Club through covid, fought for his players rights and ensured the safety and well being of a group of men and their families, who made an incredible sacrifice to ensure the game went on.

In this episode of Chiming In, you will get to know the man behind the secrets of the Warriors success. From humble beginnings in Northern NSW, George has emerged as one of the game’s top administrators who is respected and liked by all.

He gives an inside look at how the Warriors stayed afloat, while the world was seemingly crumbling.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

02:04 - 2026 GF on the cards

03:32 - NZ development pathways

05:14 - Invading recruits

07:42 - Recruiters in Aus for NZ

09:15 - Finding Webby

12:14 - Long term Warriors coach

13:25 - NZ undervaluing

15:15 - Competing with All Blacks

17:00 - Fanatical Wahs fans

20:19 - 20th team out of Wellington

23:16 - Womens game

26:50 - Does PNG have an unfair advantage?

30:17 - Getting players to Auckland

33:25 - When Covid hit

47:00 - Learning about players

51:48 - Pacific Islander family focus

52:53 - Homecoming for Wahs

54:38 - Club Haka

01:00:07 - Can Wahs dominate NRL?

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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Craig Field could be considered one of the most polarising figures in rugby league.

The diminutive halfback was told he was to small to ever play NRL yet went onto to play in 183 games - representing South Sydney, Manly and the Wests Tigers.

Fast forward to today and Field is putting his life back together after being sentenced to 10 years jail for the manslaughter of a man following a fight outside the Kingscliff Hotel on July 15, 2012.

In this episode of Chiming In, Field talks candidly about the day his life changed forever and his efforts to ensure people learn from his mistakes.

He also reflects on a football career which saw him debut for Souths as a 17-year-old, play for Manly in the 1997 grand final and later become part of a Wests Tigers outfit that was full of talent but failed to fire.

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

02:04 – Released from prison

02:53 – What is doing today

06:09 – Craig coaching

07:33 – Growing up

08:24 – Starting League

13:59 – Rabbitohs false start

16:44 – Souths debut

20:42 – Form flatlining

21:44 – 1994 “arrival” as a player

23:44 – Rough time growing up

26:12 – Blowing cash & regrets

29:09 – Balancing passion and gifts as a coach

33:30 – Credit to grassroots volunteers

39:32 – Tenure at Tigers

42:49 – Trouble with alcohol & drugs

46:36 – John Hopoate incident

49:04 – Kingscliff Hotel jailing

53:22 – Police arrest

01:01:39 – Motivational speaking

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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He’s regarded one of the kindest, most humble and hard working people in rugby league.

Jason Clark is the first to admit he wasn’t the most gifted individual yet he boasts an NRL premiership and English Challenge Cup trophy among his finest achievements.

After a stellar 10 year stint with the Rabbitohs, Clark packed up the family and moved to England before putting the finishing touches on his career playing First Division in France.

Today, the former South Sydney lock forward, has returned to where it all began and now works as a Football Manager with the mighty Rabbitohs.

This interview will enlighten you as Clark shares the secrets of his success, the struggles he’s had to overcome and thrills and spills along the way.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

02:02 – What is a Football Manager?

05:10 – Welfare role

06:18 – FM disasters

10:58 – Travel for football teams

13:15 – Flights after serious injury

15:56 – Wearing the blue shirt

19:00 – Meals on the road

21:55 – What players can and can’t wear

23:44 – Johnny Sutton as a blue shirt

24:36 – Jason’s career

27:53 – Debut

31:13 – 2014 GF win

37:01 – Leaving Souths

41:23 – Joining Warrington Wolves

45:55 – Playing in France

53:18 – Souths in 2026

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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Eddie Jones is one of the most polarising coaches world rugby. He has been head coach of three international rugby union teams - Australia, England and Japan. It’s a unique notch in his belt.

But it’s his love for rugby league which often catches people by surprise.

Growing up in La Perouse, Jones was an avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter and played rugby league as a youngster. One season as a kid, Jones went and watched every Souths game - home and away.

And while a switch of codes took him to greatness and world recognition, Jones today remains engrossed in the NRL and his love and passion for the game have never wained.

In this episode of Chiming In, Jones gives us an exclusive insight into why he remains an avid NRL fan.

He shares with us his top five rugby league stars who would make it in rugby and also tips us a couple of rugby stars who could just as easily switch to the NRL.

Jones also confirms how he still harbours a dream to be involved in the NRL either as a coach of Club administrator before he retires from sport.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

02:10 - Growing up with League

04:25 - Randwick Rugby

05:20 - Getting into coaching

06:40 - HC at 3 different nations

08:57 - Top 5 NRL to Union players

12:22 - Top 5 Union to League players

15:49 - What rugby has that league doesn't

19:19 - R360

21:02 - Zac Lomax

23:10 - Rugby in Japan

28:56 - Wallabies in 2026

32:45 - Money in Union

34:03 - Wallabies 2023 'mistake'

38:05 - Coaching NRL

43:39 - Coaching England

46:20 - Ball in play in NRL & Union

49:29 - League vs Union refs

50:28 - Being a teacher

52:50 - Japan retirement

53:39 - Sacking from Wallabies

57:10 - Joey Johns to Union

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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Every youngster who laces a boot, dreams of debuting in the NRL and forging a career in the big time.

While so many fail to make the cut, there is an incredible amount of players who debuted yet only ever play just ONE game.

South Sydney’s Mick Bernie is one such player but he wouldn’t swap his moment for anything. And while Michael Buettner boats a truckload of NRL appearances, he too fits the one game wonder category after making one-off appearances for NSW and Australia.

With the help of masterful statistician David Middleton, this episode of Chiming In takes you inside the world of the one game wonders.

Hear how Berne remembers his debut as one of the best days of his life while Buettner still proudly showcases the jumpers and memories which can never be erased.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

01:37 – David intro

02:58 – David’s books

04:03 – How stats have changed

05:43 – One NRL game players

10:03 – Median number for NRL players

11:30 – Cam Smith’s record

12:58 – “New” stats to the game

14:59 – Mick Byrne intro

16:11 – Hearing “you’re in”

19:32 – The big game

26:18 – David's stats on Origin

30:37 – Cam Smith dominance

33:55 – Origin stats are different

36:42 – Michael Beuttner intro

38:49 – “Cattle Dog” call

44:19 – North Sydney Bears memories

47:11 – David on Test footy

50:17 – One Test players

54:34 – Michael Buettner on his one Test

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

04:20 - Fiji Flag  

05:30 - Storm losing players  

09:25 - Storm lost their bite?  

11:42 - Golden Boot winner  

15:02 - Injuries as a kid  

21:52 - Tigers player swap  

25:17 - Origin debut  

26:43 - Best ever Hooker?  

29:04 - Social media danger  

31:05 - Craig Bellamy  

33:45 - Storm army camp  

38:53 - AFL vs NRL  

40:30 - Captaincy  

43:07 - Grand Finals  

49:01 - Hobbies  

54:47 - Advice for kids  

56:05 - Rapid fire questions  

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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Talented halfback Sean O’Sullivan fits the saying “rugby league journeyman” better than most.

At just 27 years of age, O’Sullivan has played NRL for six clubs - Roosters, Broncos, Warriors, Panthers, Dolphins and now the Bulldogs.

A hard working and skilful player, O’Sullivan has had to overcome multiple setbacks to make it to the top.

O’Sullivan is the son of leading recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan and has been around the game since he can remember. His knowledge is undeniable. His passion second to none.

In this episode of Chiming In, O’Sullivan shares his childhood memories and how his dream of playing at the highest level came to fruition.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

01:14 – New Club

02:51 – Son of a RL recruiter

10:10 – Dad moves to Roosters

12:06 – Footy takes off

15:18 – Dark times through injury

17:02 – Elite schoolboy player

18:28 – Signing with Roosters

22:48 – Signing with Broncos

27:57 – Signing with Warriors

31:14 – Moving to Penrith

35:46 – Moving to Dolphins

44:11 – Bulldogs

52:17 – Studying MBA

57:57 – Sean’s family

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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Ken Callander is an Australian national treasure.

The legendary media personality warmed the hearts of millions of Aussies while successfully forging a career in print, television and the radio industry.

In this episode of Chiming In, Kenny shares some hilarious stories about his rise to fame from humble beginnings.

Highly respected, innovative and with a wicked sense of humour, Kenny reflects on numerous short stories which will entertain you from start to finish.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

04:08 – First memories of the race track

04:53 – Start in media

11:39 – Married for 58 years

14:14 – Wide World of Sports

16:29 – Kerry Packer’s bookie

23:18 – The 12th Man

28:45 – Love for NRL

33:04 – Great mates with Ray Warren

36:50 – How bookmaking has changed

40:58 – Mateship with PVL

42:34 – Jockeys & Trainers

46:04 – Melbourne Cups

56:56 – Writing a book

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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At just 21-years-old, Max Jorgensen has already played 20 Test matches for the Wallabies.

Chased by NRL clubs, the talented youngster recently committed to Australian Rugby for five years.

Only two players - Michael Hooper and Loti Tuqiri - have previously signed similar long term deals.

Jorgensen’s decision to pledge his allegiance to rugby is just the beginning. 

In the episode of Chiming in, Jorgensen talks about his love for the game, his desire to help Australian Rugby become super successful and the reason why he turned his back on rugby league.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

01:17 - 5 year deal

04:38 - Peter Jorgensen

05:38 - Back to the beginning

09:11 - Lure to rugby union

13:13 - Training with Roosters

17:18 - Wallabies in WC

20:07 - Injury woes

25:11 - Test debut

27:48 - Best coaches

29:39 - Code hoppers

32:45 - Try against England

42:54 - Shute Shield

44:01 - Playing NRL

45:42 - R360

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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Cam McInnes is a rugby league warrior.

Often photographed at the end of a match will a bloody face and missing teeth, the NSW State of Origin representative concession 2026 will be his swan song at the club.

And with a premiership window well and truly at Cronulla, McInnes is hoping to go out on a high.

Soon to return from reconstructive knee surgery, McInnes speaks openly about the recovery process, his plans for the future and why this could be the Year of the Shark.

He tells of his bumpy relationship with Russell Crow and how he was shown the door at his previous club St George Illawarra.

McInnes explains his plans to play for another few seasons and shares his thoughts on what might be on offer.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:05 - Highlights

01:36 - Off contract at Sharks

04:00 - ACL injury update

07:24 - Signing with Perth Bears

12:02 - Inside word on PNG

16:14 - Cam's TED Talk

17:50 - Mum & dad school teachers

21:33 - Cam's tackle record

26:37 - Tension at Bunnies

34:23 - Booted by Dragons

45:41 - Moving to Sharks

48:05 - Fight with Russell Crowe

52:20 - Cam as a father

58:25 - Playing Origin

Head to www.fanatics.tv for written versions of these interviews.

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