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

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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

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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

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