Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager

Peter O’Sullivan is regarded the NRL’s premier recruitment manager having successfully shaped the playing rosters of teams like the Dragons, Roosters, Storm, Warriors and Knights over many years.He was also responsible for putting together the Dolphins inaugural team in 2023 - which, amazingly, less than four seasons later, is now considered a genuine premiership contender.So what does a recruitment manager do and how does he identify and procure talent.O’Sullivan is credited with unearthing and launching the careers of players such as Greg Inglis, Latrell Mitchel, Israel Folau, Roger Tuivasa-Scheck and many, many more. He also plays a key role in the salary cap management of his club.Today O’Sullivan is an integral part of the Newcastle Knights system and was the man responsible for luring Dylan Brown away from Parramatta in sensational circumstances.In this episode of Chiming In, you are given a birds’ eye view into the tricks of the recruitment manager’s trade - how they identify players, entice them to switch clubs and build powerful playing rosters.With new teams Perth and Papua New Guinea on the horizon, no-one is better qualified than O’Sullivan to comment on how their new look rosters are shaping up.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start00:04 - Highlights01:45 – Recruitment Manager03:05 – How He Put Redcliffe Together05:05 – Negotiating with Wayne Bennett06:20 – Roster Strategy07:40 – Dolphins Knock Backs09:20 – Who Said No to the Dolphins10:20 – Signing Hammer11:40 – What Do You Look For in a Player?12:40 – Dealing with Knockback15:45 – Joel Kane Story17:20 – Family + Kids (Sean O'Sullivan)19:20 – Busy Schedule20:20 – How to Become a Recruitment Manager23:20 – Managing Melbourne Recruitment24:20 – Recruiting Greg Inglis27:50 – Greg Inglis Being a Blue30:05 – "The Pitch"31:35 – Working with Player Agents34:25 – Parents + Agent Pressure on Players37:15 – Negotiating with Different Backgrounds38:45 – Player Obstacles Getting Into the NRL39:50 – Perth Bears Recruitment42:05 – Helping the Knights Recruitment43:45 – Dylan Brown Signing47:10 – Re-Signing Ponga48:20 – Justin Holbrook's Effects on the Club49:30 – Premiership at the Knights50:40 – How to Say No to a Player51:53 – November Deadline + Trade Windows54:15 – Coaches, Agents + Representation56:21 – Israel Folau58:05 – RTS59:04 – Boyd Cordner01:01:05 – Phone Visible on the Wide01:01:10 – PNG Signings01:03:10 – Club Bucket List Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil “Buzz” Rothfield has spent 50 years as one of rugby league’s most recognisable voices.After stepping away from newspapers, television, radio and podcasts, Buzz returns for a special episode of Chiming In to explain why he retired, what he misses, and what he really thinks of the NRL season so far.In this episode, Buzz opens up on the pressure of working seven days a week in rugby league media, life after NRL 360, and why breaking stories is still hard to let go.He also gives his unfiltered views on Andrew Abdo’s exit, Peter V’landys, the Canterbury Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm, NRL expansion and more.From retirement reflections to big calls on the future of the game, Buzz is back behind the microphone and he doesn’t sit on the fence.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start00:03 - Highlights00:48 - Phil “Buzz” Rothfield returns01:15 - Why Buzz retired02:29 - Life after rugby league media06:00 - Andrew Abdo steps down08:25 - Payne Haas to South Sydney10:30 - Canterbury Bulldogs struggles14:24 - Rugby league supporting its own & Try July16:42 - Melbourne Storm and Billy Slater18:22 - NRL global round and the Roosters20:35 - Dragons and Shane Flanagan23:24 - Blowout scores and rule changes26:39 - Coaching pressure29:49 - Best coach in the NRL30:36 - PNG, New Zealand and expansion33:01 - Perth Bears34:39 - Zac Lomax and R36036:35 - State of Origin and Super League38:54 - Penrith Panthers and Ivan Cleary40:05 - Newcastle, contenders and Grand Final prediction42:07 - Coach of the Year and Dally M judging44:12 - Wests Tigers45:13 - Suburban grounds and Shark Park48:27 - Gold Coast Titans and coaching accountability52:58 - Wayne Bennett’s future54:27 - Referees and the bunker55:35 - Women’s rugby league and Emma Lawrence57:32 - NRL 360, media pressure and Magic Round01:00:00 - Final reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George has waited patiently for his club to become a major force in the NRL.Now riding near the top of the competition ladder and respected and feared by its rivals, George confidently predicts this is the year of the Wahs.And if they do eventually capture their first NRL title, George is entitled - more than most - to celebrate the achievement.It was George who steered the Club through covid, fought for his players rights and ensured the safety and well being of a group of men and their families, who made an incredible sacrifice to ensure the game went on.In this episode of Chiming In, you will get to know the man behind the secrets of the Warriors success. From humble beginnings in Northern NSW, George has emerged as one of the game’s top administrators who is respected and liked by all.He gives an inside look at how the Warriors stayed afloat, while the world was seemingly crumbling.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start00:04 - Highlights02:04 - 2026 GF on the cards 03:32 - NZ development pathways 05:14 - Invading recruits 07:42 - Recruiters in Aus for NZ 09:15 - Finding Webby 12:14 - Long term Warriors coach 13:25 - NZ undervaluing 15:15 - Competing with All Blacks 17:00 - Fanatical Wahs fans 20:19 - 20th team out of Wellington 23:16 - Womens game 26:50 - Does PNG have an unfair advantage? 30:17 - Getting players to Auckland 33:25 - When Covid hit 47:00 - Learning about players 51:48 - Pacific Islander family focus 52:53 - Homecoming for Wahs 54:38 - Club Haka 01:00:07 - Can Wahs dominate NRL? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s regarded one of the kindest, most humble and hard working people in rugby league.Jason Clark is the first to admit he wasn’t the most gifted individual yet he boasts an NRL premiership and English Challenge Cup trophy among his finest achievements.After a stellar 10 year stint with the Rabbitohs, Clark packed up the family and moved to England before putting the finishing touches on his career playing First Division in France.Today, the former South Sydney lock forward, has returned to where it all began and now works as a Football Manager with the mighty Rabbitohs.This interview will enlighten you as Clark shares the secrets of his success, the struggles he’s had to overcome and thrills and spills along the way.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start00:04 - Highlights02:02 – What is a Football Manager?05:10 – Welfare role06:18 – FM disasters10:58 – Travel for football teams13:15 – Flights after serious injury15:56 – Wearing the blue shirt19:00 – Meals on the road21:55 – What players can and can’t wear23:44 – Johnny Sutton as a blue shirt24:36 – Jason’s career27:53 – Debut31:13 – 2014 GF win37:01 – Leaving Souths41:23 – Joining Warrington Wolves45:55 – Playing in France53:18 – Souths in 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every youngster who laces a boot, dreams of debuting in the NRL and forging a career in the big time.While so many fail to make the cut, there is an incredible amount of players who debuted yet only ever play just ONE game. South Sydney’s Mick Bernie is one such player but he wouldn’t swap his moment for anything. And while Michael Buettner boats a truckload of NRL appearances, he too fits the one game wonder category after making one-off appearances for NSW and Australia.With the help of masterful statistician David Middleton, this episode of Chiming In takes you inside the world of the one game wonders.Hear how Berne remembers his debut as one of the best days of his life while Buettner still proudly showcases the jumpers and memories which can never be erased.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start00:04 - Highlights01:37 – David intro 02:58 – David’s books 04:03 – How stats have changed 05:43 – One NRL game players 10:03 – Median number for NRL players 11:30 – Cam Smith’s record 12:58 – “New” stats to the game14:59 – Mick Byrne intro 16:11 – Hearing “you’re in” 19:32 – The big game 26:18 – David's stats on Origin 30:37 – Cam Smith dominance 33:55 – Origin stats are different 36:42 – Michael Beuttner intro 38:49 – “Cattle Dog” call 44:19 – North Sydney Bears memories 47:11 – David on Test footy 50:17 – One Test players 54:34 – Michael Buettner on his one Test Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talented halfback Sean O’Sullivan fits the saying “rugby league journeyman” better than most.At just 27 years of age, O’Sullivan has played NRL for six clubs - Roosters, Broncos, Warriors, Panthers, Dolphins and now the Bulldogs.A hard working and skilful player, O’Sullivan has had to overcome multiple setbacks to make it to the top.O’Sullivan is the son of leading recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan and has been around the game since he can remember. His knowledge is undeniable. His passion second to none.In this episode of Chiming In, O’Sullivan shares his childhood memories and how his dream of playing at the highest level came to fruition.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start00:04 - Highlights01:14 – New Club 02:51 – Son of a RL recruiter 10:10 – Dad moves to Roosters 12:06 – Footy takes off 15:18 – Dark times through injury 17:02 – Elite schoolboy player 18:28 – Signing with Roosters 22:48 – Signing with Broncos 27:57 – Signing with Warriors 31:14 – Moving to Penrith 35:46 – Moving to Dolphins 44:11 – Bulldogs 52:17 – Studying MBA 57:57 – Sean’s family Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At just 21-years-old, Max Jorgensen has already played 20 Test matches for the Wallabies.Chased by NRL clubs, the talented youngster recently committed to Australian Rugby for five years.Only two players - Michael Hooper and Loti Tuqiri - have previously signed similar long term deals.Jorgensen’s decision to pledge his allegiance to rugby is just the beginning. In the episode of Chiming in, Jorgensen talks about his love for the game, his desire to help Australian Rugby become super successful and the reason why he turned his back on rugby league.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start00:04 - Highlights01:17 - 5 year deal04:38 - Peter Jorgensen05:38 - Back to the beginning09:11 - Lure to rugby union13:13 - Training with Roosters17:18 - Wallabies in WC20:07 - Injury woes25:11 - Test debut27:48 - Best coaches29:39 - Code hoppers32:45 - Try against England42:54 - Shute Shield44:01 - Playing NRL45:42 - R360 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Richardson stepped down at Wests Tigers CEO in December last year - just as the Club was finally finding its feet.There were fears the highly regarded league official might have been lost to the game forever.In this exclusive interview - his first since stepping aside - Richardson opens up on his love for the Tigers fanatical fans, his desire to get back into the game, why Benji Marshall is the right man to take the Club forward and why the NRL should buy the English Super League.He also shares his thoughts on the futures of Jerome Luai and Jahream Bula.It’s serious and at times hilarious and will leave you wanting more.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start02:58 - The day Richo resigned04:04 - Benji as coach05:09 - Jarome & Jahream08:31 - Relationship with player agents10:23 - Relationship with the media14:11 - What is a 'good CEO'?18:43 - Back to the beginning27:05 - Sharks days34:31 - Panthers days37:52 - Rabbitohs days43:29 - 201 Souths premiership46:42 - Connection to Indigenous players57:26 - Richo's future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back for season two of Chiming In with a bang!James Hooper tells all in this candid sit down interview with Chimes. He is extremely open and honest about his battles with alcoholism, his sacking from Fox, his 'love, hate' relationship with his father, finding ways to put money on the table, and gives us an exciting update!We hope you enjoy.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start02:00 - The car crash10:00 - Getting fired from Fox13:54 - Finding work16:50 - Getting help22:44 - Hoop's alcoholism28:35 - What happened in Vegas?39:25 - A stern message for drink drivers41:12 - Hoop's brand new show45:46 - Missing RL? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a teenager the talented journalist could be found sitting on the hill whenever the St George Dragons had a home game at Kogarah Oval.After falling in love with the game, Pitt reveals how she navigated a pathway into the media and hasn’t looked back.Highly respected and well liked, Lara Pitt has become a household name in journalism since linking with Fox Sports almost 20 years ago.In this episode of Chiming In, she shares her journey, her plans for the future and what it’s like working in what was once regard a male dominated industry.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:47 - How Lara got into RL05:41 - Conflict when supporting a team06:45 - Moving in front of the camera11:00 - Weekly schedule for an RL journo13:19 - Hosting Dally M14:12 - Press conference challenges20:13 - Dressing rooms as a female26:39 - Getting barred by players & coaches27:47 - Mentors in the game29:21 - Women in League31:12 - Lara's family life36:44 - Love for Vossy41:32 - Growth of the women's game45:33 - Lara's charity work48:02 - Tips for young journos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brad Clyde can’t hide his excitement as his beloved Canberra Raiders storm towards their first premiership since 1994.The former champion lock forward knows better than most what it takes to win a competition.Rated as one of the best players of all time, Clyde burst onto the rugby league scene in the late 1980s before becoming a household name through the 1990s.He played in three grand finals and was awarded the Clive Churchill medal on two occasions. He played a key role in Canberra’s 1989 grand final win over Balmain - which is regarded by many as the greatest grand final of all time.In this episode of Chiming In, Clyde shares his thoughts on Canberra’s amazing charge to the top of the ladder this year and explains why his former team-mate Ricky Stuart was always going to become a super coach.He also talks about his amazing career and some of the incredible characters he met along the way.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start01:25 - Raiders in 202502:00 - 2 x Clive Churchill medalist03:40 - Sam Backo passing05:28 - Being a movie star07:26 - Tina Turner advert09:00 - Horse riding accident11:20 - Early days & AFL13:55 - First grade debut18:50 - 1989 GF memories22:16 - 1994 GF memories25:25 - Comparing past & present Raiders28:29 - Canberra creating Super Coaches33:25 - Moving to Bulldogs36:57 - New corporate role41:07 - Captaincy for Raiders & Australia44:47 - Family of League Foundation49:10 - Concessions for one club players Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todd Carney was once the undisputed Bad Boy of the NRL.Constantly in trouble with police, sacked by clubs and deregistered by the game - Carney struggled with an alcohol addiction and constantly found trouble.But things have changed.Two and a half years ago, the former Dally M Winner decided he needed help and checked himself into rehab in a desperate bid to save his relationship with partner Susie.Today Todd Carney is living a healthy and happy life - giving back to the game and helping others.In this episode of Chiming In, the former Canberra, Sydney Rooster and Cronulla star, shares his journey in a polarising discussion - leaving no stone unturned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.