This week on Ask Gus, Phil Gould tackles the big questions from listeners. Who was the hardest-working player he ever coached? Did Queensland’s eight straight Origin series wins ever tempt him back into the New South Wales coaching box? Gus also weighs in on whether James Tedesco deserves an Origin recall at 33, whether Melbourne are truly missing Ryan Papenhuyzen at fullback, and even reveals his go-to Chinese order.

If you want your question answered, send it in via Instagram or Facebook to NRL on 9.

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Jarome Luai’s blockbuster move to the PNG Chiefs headlines a seismic episode of Six Tackles with Gus, as Phil Gould breaks down what the superstar signing means for the Wests Tigers, the new franchise, and the future player market.

Plus, Gus weighs in on Blues Origin hypotheticals, Women’s State of Origin, a mystery guest appearance, and Gus' Round 9 tips.

Six Tackles with Gus State of Origin Game 1 live podcast show is happening at The Locker Room from 2pm before kick off on Wednesday 27th of May. If you want to come along send us your best Ask Gus Question to sixtackles@nine.com.au It’s all thanks to TAB.

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He was at his lowest ebb - then he delivered perfection.

Welcome to Season 5 of Stories of Origin. as we sit down with the true icons of the game to explore the single Origin match that defined their legacy.

We are kicking off this series with a bang. Rugby league’s greatest player, Nathan Cleary, joins us to dissect his favourite Origin game: his absolute masterclass in game two of the 2022 series in Perth.

It was a performance that silenced the critics and showcased the resilience required to thrive at this level. Nathan takes us inside the intense pressure of that series, revealing how he channelled the disappointment of a 16-10 home loss in game one - against a Queensland side inspired by the champion Cameron Munster, to orchestrate the defining high point of his Origin career.

It’s an intimate, tactical, and honest look at what it takes to own the toughest arena in rugby league.

Proudly brought to you by TAB.

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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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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