Six Tackles With Gus

Back in 1994, Phil Gould’s Blues stunned Queensland by winning a decider at Lang Park - a feat unmatched for nearly two decades. Then came Game 3, 2024.

It was brutal. Tryless for over an hour. Every inch hard-fought. Then, with the series in the balance, Bradman Best crashed through - pure power, pure Origin.

Madge’s Blues had done it again. History repeated. A dream decider.

Featuring - Bradman Best, Ben Hunt, Phil Gould, Mark Geyer, Andrew Johns, Jonathan Thurston

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus breaks down New South Wales' dominant performance in the State of Origin opener, with a deep dive into the effectiveness of their right-side attack and the halves' control. They also touch on the Women's Origin, discuss the impact of Max King, and answer listener questions, including potential changes for Queensland in Game 2. Plus, a tribute to Fatty, and a preview of the upcoming NRL round.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lang Park. Suncorp Stadium. Call it what you like - it’s hallowed ground. The kind of place where Queensland legends are made. Where the spirit of Origin greats like Beetson, Jackson, and Tosser Turner lingers in the air.

In this episode of Stories of Origin: Magic Moments, we rewind to Game 3, 2022 - a decider for the ages. With just under two minutes on the clock and the series on the line, New South Wales launch one last desperate raid… until Ben Hunt steps in.

He’s not flashy. But he’s pure heart. And in that moment - with the GOAT Cam Smith watching on - the Dozer delivers.

Queensland erupt. Suncorp explodes. The Maroons reclaim the shield.

This is the story of Ben Hunt’s heroic Origin moment - and one of the greatest decider finishes we’ve ever seen.

Go Dozer!

Featuring Ben Hunt, Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus and Thomo discuss all things Origin including the selection of Robert Toia and how it is an “inspired” choice from Billy Slater. 

Gus blows up at the announcements of the Origin teams and how for years he has been saying it needs to be a special event on a Sunday night. 

Reece Walsh is in the headlines for a video as Gus discusses the impact of social media and the evolving culture among players. 

Some great yarns on Andrew Walker, Tommy Radonikous, James Packer and Elton John.

Plus, Gus’s tips for Round 12 all thanks to the TAB!

00:00 - Welcome 

• Laurie Daley and NSW
• Reece Walsh viral video
• Gus and social media

15:00 - Yes No No 

• Marky Mark’s try is in the conversation for greatest of all time 
• Billy Slater will make changes to his forward pack for kick off 
• The Blues will win at Suncorp again

27:45 - Origin chat

• Wingers
• Forwards
• Backline
• Robert Toia

47:30 - #AskGus 

01:00:00 - Trivia

01:01:00 - Cattledog

01:07:30 - Lachlan Galvin 

01:08:45 - Round 12 preview

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After five painful years of Maroon dominance, 1985 was the year New South Wales said “enough.” They turned to Canterbury’s fearless halfback Steve “Turvey” Mortimer - a man with blue blood and an unbreakable will - to lead the charge.

From stirring pre-game speeches to that unforgettable chair-lift off the SCG, Mortimer’s passion and grit didn’t just win a series - he rewrote Origin history and brought the Blues their first ever series win.

Sometimes, you’ve just gotta want it more.

Featuring Laurie Daley, Mark Geyer, Andrew Johns, Peter Wynn, David Middleton and Roy Masters.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus dissects a number of potential Blues’ selection calls ahead of teams being announced, including the halves and wing spots.

Praise for the Women’s NSW Origin team after taking out the series in Sydney. 

Can the Tigers bounce back from their disastrous loss to the Storm last week, and is Mal Meninga the man to lead the Perth Bears? 

Plus Gus’ Round 11 tips, proudly brought to you by TAB.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's episode of Six Tackles will be released on Friday the 16th of May

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you need to understand Origin in just one moment, it’s the closing minutes of Game One, 1994. The Blues were cruising - 10 points up with 10 to play - until a wave of maroon belief swept the Sydney Football Stadium. Alfie Langer to Kevvy Walters, Michael Carne joins, Renouf streaks down the touchline, Hancock keeps it alive, Darren Smith inside, back to Alfie… BIG MAL sets the stage, and from nowhere Mark Coyne dives for the corner: “Queensland is never beaten!”

In this episode of Stories of Origin, relive the chain‑reaction of passes that produced one of rugby league’s greatest tries and forged a mantra that still defines the Maroons. Hear first‑hand reflections on the pressure, the precision, and the pure Queensland spirit behind the Miracle Try - because when it’s Origin, it’s never over.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus picks his NSW pack and addresses rumours about Spencer Leniu. 

Brandon Smith is set to join Souths right away - Gus wonders why the Roosters let him walk. 

Dom Young is being shopped around and wants to play centre, while David Fifita’s big pay‑packet has him stuck in reserve grade and Gus has some advice for what he does next.

Plus Six Tackles Trivia and don’t miss Gus’ Round 10 tips.

00:00 - Fresh off 7/8 tips in Magic Round.

12:30 - Yes! No, No, No, No.

• Brisbane to stay hosting Magic Round?
• Simaima Taufa is the best player in the Women’s game?
• Jayden Su’A’s bombed try was one of the worst?
• Kaeo Weekes is the next Billy Slater?

24:30 - Brandon Smith to sign with South Sydney effective immediately

29:00 - Dom Young being shopped around.

34:00 - David Fifita in reserve grade.

49:00 - Gus’s NSW forward pack for Origin one  

01:03:00 - Six Tackles Trivia

01:04:30 - Round 10 preview & Gus' Tips.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A series decider at ANZ Stadium. The Blues teetered on the brink, heartbreak hanging over Homebush once more - until one breathtaking chain of passes rewrote Origin folklore.

Relive the frantic final minute: Cordner to Murray, Pearce punching through the line, Trbojevic unleashing Ferguson on white-knuckle tippy-toes down the sideline, and - like lightning - James “Teddy” Tedesco diving over to clinch NSW’s first back-to-back crown since 2005.

Buckle up for the play that stunned Queensland and carved Teddy’s name into Origin legend.

Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series is live and exclusive on Nine & 9Now, Wednesday 28 May.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.