
About
League legend Phil 'Gus' Gould and Mathew Thompson tackle the biggest talking points in Rugby League each week, delivering bold opinions, deep analysis and inside stories.
Latest Episodes
View all 104 episodesANZAC Round: Resilience, Rebuilding, and the Road to State of Origin
Ask Gus: Is Gus Using the ‘Moneyball’ Playbook for the Bulldogs?
"I Can't Understand It": Gus Gould Baffled by Api Koroisau’s Origin Omission
Ask Gus: From Tiny Terrors to Modern Giants

S10 Ep 6The Foran Coaching Interview, The Panthers Hangover & The Brookvale Blowtorch
This week on Six Tackles with Gus, Phil Gould reveals the startling results on a team after a loss to Penrith. As we head into a massive Easter Long Weekend of footy, Gus weighs in on the Brookvale dramas as pressure mounts at Manly and questions whether Shane Flanagan is already on the chopping block at the winless Dragons. Plus, we look ahead to the annual Good Friday blockbuster between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs at Accor Stadium, discuss why Newcastle’s rise is a coaching masterstroke, and Gus shares a surprising story about interviewing Kieran Foran for a coaching role.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask Gus: Boyd Breakout, Tigers Trouble & The NRL in 10 Years
bonusYour Ask Gus Questions. Gus breaks down whether Tannah Boyd is the most improved player in the game right now, and what’s behind his rise. He looks at the Tigers’ chances without Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi. There’s pressure talk too. Should Shane Flanagan be feeling the heat? And could tensions between Gorden Tallis and the Broncos faithful really be sorted over a beer? Plus, a look ahead at the future of the game. What does the NRL look like in 10 years? How might the season structure evolve, and what challenges could things like travel and fuel costs create? And one of the big debates in the modern game, suspensions versus fines. Has Gus changed his stance? If you want your question answered, send it in via Instagram or Facebook to NRLonNine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S10 Ep 5Broncos Blow-Up: “You Can’t Be a Yes Man”
Coaching drama has exploded just three rounds into the season as the Broncos are rocked by the sudden exit of assistant Ben Te’o, raising fresh questions about leadership and stability at Red Hill. Gus unpacks the situation, what could be happening behind the scenes, and why differences of opinion inside coaching groups are not only common, but necessary. As Gus puts it, you can’t be a yes man to the head coach, and leadership often means making calls that don’t make everyone happy. Elsewhere, the pressure is building fast. Are the Roosters and Trent Robinson heading for a defining moment against Manly? Will Daly Cherry-Evans get a hostile reception at Brookvale? And are the Sharks at risk of going stale after years with the same core? Plus, a big Yes No No No No No, Panthers tactics under the microscope, Souths’ return to Allianz, and a full Round 4 preview thanks to TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S10 Ep 4Gus on Wests Tigers: 'It all seems to be moulding together at the right time'
Gus and Mat reflect on an emotional night at Allianz Stadium where Alex Johnston made history by breaking the all-time try-scoring record. Gus shares his personal memories of watching the legendary Ken Irvine and discusses what makes "AJ" such a special part of the South Sydney club. Plus, Tigers Time: Gus is impressed by the team cohesion the Wests Tigers are currently building. Ask Gus: Can Manly turn it around? Round 3 Preview: Analysis of every game, including the Bulldogs' trip to Canberra and the clash between the red-hot Warriors and the Knights. The "Claudette" Report: AI analysis of Gus's busy week on social media. NRL Judiciary & Fines: Gus sounds off on the current system of player fines and why he believes it's way over the top. Multicultural Round Trivia: Who was the first PNG-born player to debut in the NRL? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S10 Ep 3You can check-out any time you like. But you can never leave!
Phil Gould is back from Las Vegas after seeing the Eagles at the Sphere and breaks down the big statements from Round 1, the Raiders’ hot start, and whether Alex Johnston is about to make NRL history. Plus a Tigers young gun debut, your Ask Gus questions, and Round 2 tips thanks to TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S10 Ep 2Vegas Bound: Preseason Gains & 2026 Season Predictions
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S10 Ep 1Six Tackles with Gus Is Back! Season Ten Kicks Off with Rule Changes, Origin Eligibility & NRL’s Big Year Ahead
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S9 Ep 32The 2025 Grand Final Preview
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 previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#AskGus: Advice, Minor Premiers & Cleary–Luai’s Rise
bonusGus 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S9 Ep 31Why Gus Believes ‘the Hoodoo Is About to End’ – 5 to play 7 in GF
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 PreviewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#AskGus: The best of 2025
We take a look back at the best of #AskGus from 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S9 Ep 30'Statistically, he's the best ever' plus Gus's fearless finals predictions.
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 previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S9 Ep 29Gus not ruling out shock Grand Final clash + Tries and Moments of 2025
Gus isn’t ruling out a shock Grand Final clash, suggesting the finals could throw up some unexpected contenders from outside the top of the ladder. With September footy just around the corner, the team unpacks all the possible scenarios and surprises. They also dive into the biggest Tries and Moments of 2025 – from Mark Nawaqanitawase’s breakout try to Latrell and Cleary’s ice-cool field goals, Leka Halasima’s brilliance, and the unforgettable Miracle in Mudgee. Plus, the first half of the Six Tackles Team of the Year is revealed, with the backs locked in. 00:00 - Welcome Live show last week Finals scenarios 09:00 - Yes No No Alex Johnston to break record on Friday night 13:00 - Raiders minor premiership is the most surprising in last 10 years 22:00 - Mark Nawaqanitawase will be playing for the Kangaroos 27:00 - Six Tackles try and moment of the year Mark Nawaqanitawase try Latrell field goal Cleary field goal Leka Halasima try Miracle in Mudgee 44:00 - Six Tackles Team of the year Pt 1 Backs 56:30 - #AskGus Biggest threats and opportunities in the future Can the Broncos cause some damage in the finals 01:06:00 - Ampol Power Surge Top captains for the year 01:08:45 - Round 27 previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S9 Ep 28Six Tackles Live thanks to TAB
Join Gus & Mat live from the Canterbury Leagues Club for their first live podcasting recording. With special guests Josh Reynolds & Mark O’Meley plus plenty of #AskGus questions live. It’s all thanks to our mates at TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#AskGus: Trbojevic Reality Check & Raiders’ X Factor
bonusThis week on #AskGus, Gus and Mat tackle some of the big questions from listeners. At what point do Manly have to face the hard truth about the Trbojevic brothers and the toll on their roster? Could the Raiders have the spark to knock off heavyweights Melbourne or Penrith if they make it to the big stage?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S9 Ep 27“Along came Harry”: Why Harry Grant could become the best ever
Gus Gould makes a massive claim about Harry Grant's potential, analysing what makes him one of the most brilliant players in the game today. He also tackles the NRL's crippling injury crisis, gives his fiery take on the push for yellow cards for diving, and breaks down the crucial moments from the weekend's games, including the Rabbitohs' gutsy win and the Roosters' strong form. Six Tackles is doing a live show Thursday 28th August from 2pm at Canterbury Leagues Club - before the Bulldogs-Panthers Game. To be there send your best #AskGus questions to [email protected] for your chance to come along. Limited seats so get going! Please ensure you include your full name and phone number and we’ll respond to winners. It’s all thanks to TAB 00:00 - Welcome Royce Simmons Big Walk Panthers Raiders game should be free to air TAB Live Show 07:00 - Parramatta will be finals contenders next year 10:00 - The Dragons have wasted a chance to play finals this year 15:30 - Jye Gray is a genuine match winner 21:00 - Harry Grant the second best hooker of all time 31:30 - Yellow cards for diving? 34:00 - Is the NRL season too long? 53:00 - Ampol Power Surge Top 3 coaches 55:00 - NRL and NRLW previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.