Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager

Dave Trodden runs one of Australian sport's biggest and least understood organisations — the New South Wales Rugby League turns over more than $50 million a year, oversees 126,000 players across 700 clubs, and controls every competition in the state bar the NRL and NRLW.Trodden takes us inside the business of Origin: why Matt King was the right call to succeed Laurie Daley, whether Ivan Cleary has put his hand up for a future crack at the job, and why he expects Origin player payments to eventually double. He also opens up on protecting referees after a wave of public controversy, why bush footy is in far better shape than people think, and the extraordinary economic value the game's 40,000 volunteers add each year.It's not all boardroom talk, either — Trodden shares the story of falling in love with rugby league at Balmain's famous 1969 grand final upset, how he ended up on the Wests Tigers board almost by accident during the fractious merger years, and becoming chairman in time for the club's fairytale premiership win in 2005.In this episode of Chiming In, Dave Trodden gives a rare inside look at how the game is really run, from grassroots to Origin.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:25 - Welcome: NSWRL CEO Dave Trodden joins Chiming In02:14 - What people get wrong about the NSWRL02:54 - The Blues as one of Australia's biggest sporting brands03:48 - Matt King's appointment as Origin coach05:01 - Did Ivan Cleary put his hand up?10:41 - Why a club coach can't also coach Origin11:57 - Will Origin players push for a bigger pay packet?13:39 - A Monday morning inside NSWRL headquarters19:51 - Protecting referees, and the Tamworth suspension controversy21:01 - Is bush footy really dying?23:28 - Visiting Junee with Laurie Daley24:12 - Getting retired players back into country footy25:44 - The economic value of 40,000 volunteers28:08 - How Magic Round in Tamworth came about39:20 - Falling in love with rugby league at the 1969 grand final41:38 - Joining the Wests Tigers board almost by accident44:02 - Becoming chairman during the merger fallout45:21 - The fairytale run to the 2005 premiership53:43 - Origin scheduling, PNG games and jersey tweaks55:33 - Could City vs Country ever come back?56:31 - Does the job ever feel appreciated?58:29 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dean "Bulldog" Ritchie has covered rugby league for the Daily Telegraph for 37 years, breaking some of the game's biggest stories along the way — from a teenage cadet's first back-page scoop to the Bulldogs' secretly-photographed meeting with Jonathan Thurston.Ritchie takes us through how a chance work-experience placement turned into a career, the mentors who shaped him — including the legendary Peter "Chippy" Frilingos, whose sudden death at work in 2004 Ritchie still finds hard to talk about — and 37 years' worth of scoops, near-misses and colourful nights out, including the taxi door that put him in hospital.He also opens up on his 37-year friendship with Laurie Daley, the on-air Origin III prediction that turned out to be spot on, and life inside NRL 360 alongside some of the game's biggest personalities.In this episode of Chiming In, Bulldog shares stories from a career spent chasing the game he's loved since he was a kid waving a Roosters flag from the outer.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start 01:27 - Welcome: Dean "Bulldog" Ritchie joins Chiming In 02:11 - His schoolboy footy days and a near-miss at a Wallabies jumper 06:00 - Breaking into journalism through Bill Mordy 08:18 - Cutting his teeth at the Cumberland papers 09:40 - Landing the Daily Telegraph job on 1989 Grand Final day 11:06 - His mentors: "Chippy" Frilingos and "Buzz" Rothfield 15:38 - Chippy's sudden death, and being a pallbearer 18:25 - His first scoop: "Saints Sack Craig Young" 22:09 - The Bulldogs-Thurston scoop, and other big stories 24:23 - Friends and foes in rugby league 25:53 - Building a 37-year friendship with Laurie Daley 36:52 - The night a taxi door put him in hospital 38:41 - Covering rugby league around the world 39:52 - The Perth Bears trip that cost Mal Meninga $20K 45:38 - Backing Laurie Daley, and the Origin III prediction that came true 47:58 - Inside NRL 360, and copping a spray on air 48:33 - Sunday mornings on the Big Sports Breakfast 53:28 - 37 years at the Daily Telegraph 54:51 - Social media, and whether the nastiness is new 57:49 - Expansion: Christchurch vs Brisbane for team 20 59:56 - Should the NRL buy English Super League? 01:01:18 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig Salvatori was a mainstay of the Sydney Roosters front row through the late '80s and early '90s, racking up around 140 first grade games between the Roosters and a final season at South Sydney, three State of Origin appearances for the Blues alongside Laurie Daley, and a Roosters life membership this year that came with the club's Indigenous Round honour.He was also at the centre of one of Australian sport's most confronting personal stories: in October 2002, Salvatori lost his wife Kathy in the Bali bombings, and became an unlikely go-between for the Australian government's response on the ground, speaking daily with radio host Alan Jones and eventually meeting with then-Prime Minister John Howard. More than two decades on, he talks openly about grief, acceptance, and raising his daughters through it.It's not all heavy going, though — Salvatori also revisits the infamous headbutt that cost him a five-week suspension, a near-miss at a premiership in 1987, and a colonoscopy story that nearly blew up his marriage. And after 45 years as a builder, he's about to set off on "Salvo's Aussie Pub Crawl" — a year-long lap of the country's pubs with his wife and dog in tow.In this episode of Chiming In, Craig shares stories from a life that's been as tough as it has been full, and explains why he's chosen to talk about the hardest parts of it rather than look away.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro 01:21 - Welcome: Craig Salvatori joins Chiming In 01:47 - Breaking news: retiring after 45 years as a builder 02:32 - The plan: Salvo's Aussie Pub Crawl 05:20 - The colonoscopy story that nearly got him busted 09:02 - Naming the tour and sorting sleeping arrangements 14:35 - Opening up about the Bali bombings and losing Kathy 16:33 - How the group ended up split between the Sari Club and babysitting 18:06 - The night of the bombing and the search for answers 21:34 - Getting the Prime Minister involved 24:25 - Has he been back to Bali since 25:29 - Roosters and Rabbitohs career, and getting signed for $2,000 29:50 - The 1987 preliminary final classic against Canberra 31:12 - Backing Laurie Daley against his critics 32:40 - Falling out with Phil Gould and leaving the Roosters 35:24 - Retiring at 30, and getting two new knees at 53 37:36 - Roosters life member and Indigenous Round honour 41:28 - The hardest front rowers he played against 42:20 - The famous headbutt and five-week suspension 46:15 - Calling games on radio with 2GB 47:16 - Life on the road calling Cowboys games in Townsville 53:01 - Wrap-up and best wishes for the trip Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Nobby Clarke is one of rugby league’s good guys.A powerful front rower forward in the 1980s and 90s, Clarke gave as good as he got but always found time to look at the lighter side of life.Tough, skilful and uncompromising, Clarke played a major role in Penrith’s first ever premiership victory in 1991.According to team-mate Royce Simmons, Clarke was deserved on the Churchill Medal. Clarke reckons Simmons told him after the game that he was Canberra’s best player in the first half and Penrith’s best performer in the second.In this episode of Chiming In, Nobby shares the secrets of his success and recalls how his childhood dream of playing in the NRL never left his radar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Royce Simmons is one of the most loved people to have ever played the game of rugby league.Who could forget the 1991 grand final, when Simmons - in his very last game for the Penrith Panthers - scored two tries in a five star performance to overcome the Canberra Raiders.Sadly, in recent times, the former NSW and Australian hooker has struggled with health issues and is battling dementia.But it hasn’t stopped Simmons' zest for life and his desire to raise funds and try and find a cure for the debilitating disease.In this episode of Chiming In, Simmons talks passionately about his health battles, his love for rugby league and those he has shared his journey with.But it’s his funny life stories which will have you chuckling as Simmons recalls a career well done.Simmons also reveals the greatest ever forward he’s ever seen - and it will shock you.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Start00:04 - Highlights01:46 - Diagnosis Dementia04:16 - Walking05:06 - Warning Signs / Finding Out07:01 - Biggest Killer in the World / Stats08:41 - Treatment for Dementia10:06 - Treatment in America11:36 - Dealing / Living With It12:46 - People Reaching Out14:03 - Lightbulb Moment for Starting Charity15:31 - England & Hull Work18:46 - Raising Money & Marathons21:56 - "Worst Thing That Could Happen"25:36 - Nathan Cleary & Current Penrith26:56 - Penrith Pride28:31 - Named in His Honour + Retirement / Aged Living Apartments34:16 - '91 Grand Final + Last Game37:36 - Promise to Fans + Grand Final Night39:01 - Growing Up in the Bush43:46 - Early Sporting Days46:59 - Pet Horse + Motorbike50:16 - Meeting His Wife + Meeting in High School52:46 - Clubs That Almost Signed56:16 - Comparing Old vs New Players58:11 - Isaah Yeo / Best Forward Ever01:02:16 - Upcoming Walks & Fundraisers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.