Six Tackles With Gus

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.
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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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