Six Tackles With Gus

Gus, I’m looking for a bit of unfiltered coaching history. First, regarding 1991 - as a lifelong Panthers fan, I’ve always wondered about the tough calls you had to make around Royce Simmons during that premiership year. How did you balance the emotion of his career with the tactical needs of the team? Simon

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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