Six Tackles With Gus

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.

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Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis return for the 2026 season of The Billy Slater Podcast just days out from the NRL season opener.

Billy reflects on an emotional return to his hometown of Innisfail, where he put the boots back on for the International Legends of League to give back to the community that shaped his career.

Billy delves deep into the major State of Origin eligibility overhaul announced by the ARLC, discussing what the modernisation of the rules means for the future of the series.

Billy also looks back at the recent Maroons squad get-together and provides his early assessment of key players heading into the new year.

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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.

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Gayle Broughton, has an incredible story rooted in her Māori identity and her journey from Hawera, New Zealand. 

She opens up about the unique challenges she faced growing up and how her whānau played a vital role in guiding her towards sport. 

That journey led her to incredible heights, like winning Olympic medals with the Black Ferns, to the devastating lows like losing her best friend at a young age, and how close she came to calling it quits.

Gayle shares how her background shaped her into the powerful athlete she is today, always grounded by her heritage.

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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

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Olivia Kernick, is an NRLW Dally M Medalist and a dominant force for the Sydney Roosters and Jillaroos. 

Olivia's rapid rise from a junior on the Central Coast to the elite level is a testament to unwavering dedication. She opens up about the immense support and values instilled by her family, which she credits as fundamental to her success. 

She chats with Marlee Silva about how that strong foundation shaped her intense work ethic and deep connection to her team, making her not just a formidable player, but a true leader on the field for both club and country. It's a look at how personal identity and family grounding lead to consistent excellence.

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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.

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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

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We take a look back at the best of #AskGus from 2025

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The best time of the year is upon us!

Finals football! Gus and Thomo break down all the key matchups and storylines for an electrifying Week 1 of the NRL finals.

Gus declares Payne Haas to be one of the greatest props the game has ever seen.

Gus also dives deep into the state of the Newcastle Knights, giving his take on their long and challenging rebuild.

Plus, the forwards are announced for the Six Tackles with Gus team of the year.

00:00 - Welcome 

• Finals are here! Best time of the year
• Gus has signed on to 2031 with the Bulldogs 
• Gus the star of 100% Footy

07:00 - Yes No No No

• 07:45 - Raiders enter the finals in the best shape
• 09:25 - The Knights are in for a long rebuild
• 16:00 - Dolphins should target Trai Fuller
• 17:30 - Locky purchasing a stake in the London Broncos is a great sign for the game
• 29:20 - Payne Haas is already one of the games greatest ever props

33:15 - STWG team of the year

• Gus selects his forward pack

51:00 - #AskGus

• What do you look for in good talent?
• Who would be best suited for the Newcastle job?

01:02:10 - Ampol Power Surge

• Top 3 aerial exponents

01:09:45 - NRL Week 1 finals preview

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