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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Talented halfback Sean O’Sullivan fits the saying “rugby league journeyman” better than most.

At just 27 years of age, O’Sullivan has played NRL for six clubs - Roosters, Broncos, Warriors, Panthers, Dolphins and now the Bulldogs.

A hard working and skilful player, O’Sullivan has had to overcome multiple setbacks to make it to the top.

O’Sullivan is the son of leading recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan and has been around the game since he can remember. His knowledge is undeniable. His passion second to none.

In this episode of Chiming In, O’Sullivan shares his childhood memories and how his dream of playing at the highest level came to fruition.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

01:14 – New Club

02:51 – Son of a RL recruiter

10:10 – Dad moves to Roosters

12:06 – Footy takes off

15:18 – Dark times through injury

17:02 – Elite schoolboy player

18:28 – Signing with Roosters

22:48 – Signing with Broncos

27:57 – Signing with Warriors

31:14 – Moving to Penrith

35:46 – Moving to Dolphins

44:11 – Bulldogs

52:17 – Studying MBA

57:57 – Sean’s family

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Ken Callander is an Australian national treasure.

The legendary media personality warmed the hearts of millions of Aussies while successfully forging a career in print, television and the radio industry.

In this episode of Chiming In, Kenny shares some hilarious stories about his rise to fame from humble beginnings.

Highly respected, innovative and with a wicked sense of humour, Kenny reflects on numerous short stories which will entertain you from start to finish.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

04:08 – First memories of the race track

04:53 – Start in media

11:39 – Married for 58 years

14:14 – Wide World of Sports

16:29 – Kerry Packer’s bookie

23:18 – The 12th Man

28:45 – Love for NRL

33:04 – Great mates with Ray Warren

36:50 – How bookmaking has changed

40:58 – Mateship with PVL

42:34 – Jockeys & Trainers

46:04 – Melbourne Cups

56:56 – Writing a book

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At just 21-years-old, Max Jorgensen has already played 20 Test matches for the Wallabies.

Chased by NRL clubs, the talented youngster recently committed to Australian Rugby for five years.

Only two players - Michael Hooper and Loti Tuqiri - have previously signed similar long term deals.

Jorgensen’s decision to pledge his allegiance to rugby is just the beginning.

In the episode of Chiming in, Jorgensen talks about his love for the game, his desire to help Australian Rugby become super successful and the reason why he turned his back on rugby league.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

01:17 - 5 year deal

04:38 - Peter Jorgensen

05:38 - Back to the beginning

09:11 - Lure to rugby union

13:13 - Training with Roosters

17:18 - Wallabies in WC

20:07 - Injury woes

25:11 - Test debut

27:48 - Best coaches

29:39 - Code hoppers

32:45 - Try against England

42:54 - Shute Shield

44:01 - Playing NRL

45:42 - R360

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Cam McInnes is a rugby league warrior.

Often photographed at the end of a match will a bloody face and missing teeth, the NSW State of Origin representative concession 2026 will be his swan song at the club.

And with a premiership window well and truly at Cronulla, McInnes is hoping to go out on a high.

Soon to return from reconstructive knee surgery, McInnes speaks openly about the recovery process, his plans for the future and why this could be the Year of the Shark.

He tells of his bumpy relationship with Russell Crow and how he was shown the door at his previous club St George Illawarra.

McInnes explains his plans to play for another few seasons and shares his thoughts on what might be on offer.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:05 - Highlights

01:36 - Off contract at Sharks

04:00 - ACL injury update

07:24 - Signing with Perth Bears

12:02 - Inside word on PNG

16:14 - Cam's TED Talk

17:50 - Mum & dad school teachers

21:33 - Cam's tackle record

26:37 - Tension at Bunnies

34:23 - Booted by Dragons

45:41 - Moving to Sharks

48:05 - Fight with Russell Crowe

52:20 - Cam as a father

58:25 - Playing Origin

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Shane Richardson stepped down at Wests Tigers CEO in December last year - just as the Club was finally finding its feet.

There were fears the highly regarded league official might have been lost to the game forever.

In this exclusive interview - his first since stepping aside - Richardson opens up on his love for the Tigers fanatical fans, his desire to get back into the game, why Benji Marshall is the right man to take the Club forward and why the NRL should buy the English Super League.

He also shares his thoughts on the futures of Jerome Luai and Jahream Bula.

It’s serious and at times hilarious and will leave you wanting more.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

02:58 - The day Richo resigned

04:04 - Benji as coach

05:09 - Jarome & Jahream

08:31 - Relationship with player agents

10:23 - Relationship with the media

14:11 - What is a 'good CEO'?

18:43 - Back to the beginning

27:05 - Sharks days

34:31 - Panthers days

37:52 - Rabbitohs days

43:29 - 201 Souths premiership

46:42 - Connection to Indigenous players

57:26 - Richo's future

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