Former rugby league star David Gillespie is regarded one of the toughest players ever to lace a boot but he also boasts a softer side.

Gillespie opens up to Steve Gillis on life, love and footy and reveals how he checked himself into Rehab after a poker machine addiction derailed his life.

He also reveals how he lost a finger in a work accident and defied doctors orders to return to the sport he loved.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

01:00 - Life now

04:39 - Retirement

06:42 - Dave's gambling addiction

14:42 - Struggles with health & fitness

17:05 - Friendship with Terry Hill

23:00 - Growing up in Narromine

28:25 - Debut in '84

31:59 - Loosing a finger

42:24 - Dave's Grand Final memories

45:12 - Joining Wests

50:40 - Bob Fulton

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.