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.

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&rsquo; 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.

Vegas Bound: Preseason Gains & 2026 Season Predictions

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.

We&rsquo;re back, baby, and it&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s also plenty on player movements, squad expansions, trainer restrictions, and how these tweaks could reshape the competition in 2026.
It&rsquo;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.

Six Tackles with Gus Is Back! Season Ten Kicks Off with Rule Changes, Origin Eligibility & NRL’s Big Year Ahead

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 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&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Special guest &lsquo;The Big Marn&rsquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
08:45 - Yes No No&nbsp;
09:00 - Penrith will win more comps in the next 3 years..&nbsp;
11:00 - Walsh is one more game away from an Australian jersey..
13:00 - Teddy will win the Dally M..&nbsp;
14:00 - Bellamy is the games greatest ever coach..&nbsp;
17:00 - Grand Final preview
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Harry Grant to be the difference&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stefano going from spoon to possible premiership</li>
<li aria-level="1">Hughes prelim performance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Broncos performance against Penrith</li>
<li aria-level="1">Payne Haas</li>
</ul>
27:45 - Dally M Awards&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Big Marn selects his team of the year</li>
</ul>
35:30 - #AskGus&nbsp;
Who replaces Teddy Swims?&nbsp;Could Ben Hunt retire if the Broncos win?&nbsp;Should every player who plays during the season get a premiership ring?&nbsp;Should we have old school individual introductions for the Grand Final?&nbsp;
45:00 - Ampol Power Surge&nbsp;
Top 3 Grand Finals&nbsp;
46:30 - NRLW GF preview
48:30 - NRL GF preview

The 2025 Grand Final Preview

Gus 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.

Gus tackles your #AskGus questions head-on.
From the best piece of advice he&rsquo;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.

#AskGus: Advice, Minor Premiers & Cleary–Luai’s Rise

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 Preview

The finals are here and Gus is firing. From the Raiders&rsquo; struggles and Nicho Hynes silencing the critics, to Turbo&rsquo;s uncertain future at Manly and the bombshell of Mark Nawaqanitawase quitting the Roosters - which Gus calls &ldquo;sad for our game.&rdquo;
Gus explains why he believes &ldquo;the hoodoo is about to end&rdquo; 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&nbsp;
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&rsquo; Dream Team
30:00 - Ampol Power Surge - Top 3 Brain Explosions
40:00 - NRLW &amp; NRL Finals Preview

Why Gus Believes ‘the Hoodoo Is About to End’ – 5 to play 7 in GF

We take a look back at the best of #AskGus from 2025

We take a look back at the best of #AskGus from 2025

#AskGus: The best of 2025

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 preview

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&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Finals are here! Best time of the year</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gus has signed on to 2031 with the Bulldogs&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gus the star of 100% Footy</li>
</ul>
07:00 - Yes No No No
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">07:45 - Raiders enter the finals in the best shape</li>
<li aria-level="1">09:25 - The Knights are in for a long rebuild</li>
<li aria-level="1">16:00 - Dolphins should target Trai Fuller</li>
<li aria-level="1">17:30 - Locky purchasing a stake in the London Broncos is a great sign for the game</li>
<li aria-level="1">29:20 - Payne Haas is already one of the games greatest ever props</li>
</ul>
33:15 - STWG team of the year
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Gus selects his forward pack</li>
</ul>
51:00 - #AskGus
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What do you look for in good talent?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Who would be best suited for the Newcastle job?</li>
</ul>
01:02:10 - Ampol Power Surge
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Top 3 aerial exponents</li>
</ul>
01:09:45 - NRL Week 1 finals preview

'Statistically, he's the best ever' plus Gus's fearless finals predictions.

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 preview

Gus isn&rsquo;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 &ndash; from Mark Nawaqanitawase&rsquo;s breakout try to Latrell and Cleary&rsquo;s ice-cool field goals, Leka Halasima&rsquo;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&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Live show last week</li>
<li aria-level="1">Finals scenarios</li>
</ul>
09:00 - Yes No No&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Alex Johnston to break record on Friday night</li>
<li aria-level="1">13:00 - Raiders minor premiership is the most surprising in last 10 years</li>
<li aria-level="1">22:00 - Mark Nawaqanitawase will be playing for the Kangaroos&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
27:00 - Six Tackles try and moment of the year
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Mark Nawaqanitawase try</li>
<li aria-level="1">Latrell field goal</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cleary field goal</li>
<li aria-level="1">Leka Halasima try</li>
<li aria-level="1">Miracle in Mudgee</li>
</ul>
44:00 - Six Tackles Team of the year Pt 1
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Backs&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
56:30 - #AskGus
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Biggest threats and opportunities in the future</li>
<li aria-level="1">Can the Broncos cause some damage in the finals</li>
</ul>
01:06:00 - Ampol Power Surge
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Top captains for the year</li>
</ul>
01:08:45 - Round 27 preview

Gus not ruling out shock Grand Final clash + Tries and Moments of 2025 

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.

Join Gus &amp; Mat live from the Canterbury Leagues Club for their first live podcasting recording.
With special guests Josh Reynolds &amp; Mark O&rsquo;Meley plus plenty of #AskGus questions live.
It&rsquo;s all thanks to our mates at TAB.

Six Tackles Live thanks to TAB

This 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?

This week on #AskGus, Gus and Mat tackle some of the big questions from listeners.&nbsp;
At what point do Manly have to face the hard truth about the Trbojevic brothers and the toll on their roster?&nbsp;
Could the Raiders have the spark to knock off heavyweights Melbourne or Penrith if they make it to the big stage?

#AskGus: Trbojevic Reality Check & Raiders’ X Factor

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.

 

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.
&nbsp;

James Bracey and league legend Phil “Gus” Gould bring you the six biggest issues in Rugby League each week. Released every Wednesday.

Six Tackles With Gus

League legend Gus Gould and Mathew Thompson tackle the biggest talking points in Rugby League each week, delivering bold opinions, deep analysis and inside stories.

League legend Gus Gould and Mathew Thompson tackle the biggest talking points in Rugby League each week, delivering bold opinions, deep analysis and inside stories.

Six Tackles With Gus

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