Ahead of the State of Origin series opener, Phil Gould and James Bracey break down the big issues set to decide the Townsville blockbuster, from the referees to the ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ and the coaching set to play a defining role.

Ahead of the State of Origin series opener, Phil Gould and James Bracey break down the big issues set to decide the Townsville blockbuster, from the referees to the &lsquo;gentlemen&rsquo;s agreement&rsquo; and the coaching set to play a defining role.

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.
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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.

Round 14: State of Origin preview: Gus worried about NSW

The game is changing… and Gus reckons it’s happening fast.

We kick off with a deep dive into the modern NRL, where speed is up, defence is down, and scorelines are blowing out. We’ve seen 80-point games, record losing scores, and a competition that feels more unpredictable than ever. Is this the new normal… or just a phase?

There’s also a big warning around Origin. If the current style of officiating carries over, Gus says it could get “scary”… with fatigue, injuries, and recovery becoming just as important as tactics.

From there, it’s all the big talking points. The fallout from Gal v Bracey, a PNG discussion, and a strong call that Bula could be a one-club player. Injury concerns for Doueihi, plus the question hanging over Liam Martin and his future at the Panthers.

Gus also backs a Queensland fightback in Women’s Origin, before tackling your questions. Origin selection headaches, the push to “make scrums great again,” and how forward recruitment has changed in today’s faster, more demanding game.

We finish with trivia, a defunct clubs quiz, and a full NRL preview.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.

The game is changing&hellip; and Gus reckons it&rsquo;s happening fast.
We kick off with a deep dive into the modern NRL, where speed is up, defence is down, and scorelines are blowing out. We&rsquo;ve seen 80-point games, record losing scores, and a competition that feels more unpredictable than ever. Is this the new normal&hellip; or just a phase?
There&rsquo;s also a big warning around Origin. If the current style of officiating carries over, Gus says it could get &ldquo;scary&rdquo;&hellip; with fatigue, injuries, and recovery becoming just as important as tactics.
From there, it&rsquo;s all the big talking points. The fallout from Gal v Bracey, a PNG discussion, and a strong call that Bula could be a one-club player. Injury concerns for Doueihi, plus the question hanging over Liam Martin and his future at the Panthers.
Gus also backs a Queensland fightback in Women&rsquo;s Origin, before tackling your questions. Origin selection headaches, the push to &ldquo;make scrums great again,&rdquo; and how forward recruitment has changed in today&rsquo;s faster, more demanding game.
We finish with trivia, a defunct clubs quiz, and a full NRL preview.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 <a href="mailto:sixtackles@nine.com.au">sixtackles@nine.com.au</a> It&rsquo;s all thanks to TAB.

80-Point Shootouts & Origin Fears

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.

This week on Ask Gus, Phil Gould tackles the big questions from listeners. Who was the hardest-working player he ever coached? Did Queensland&rsquo;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.&nbsp;
If you want your question answered, send it in via Instagram or Facebook to NRL on 9.

Ask Gus: Hardest Worker Ever Coached and Gus’ go-to Chinese dish

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.

Jarome Luai&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s all thanks to TAB.

Round 14: State of Origin preview: Gus worried about NSW

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