Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager

Come inside the world of player agent and Chiming In presenter Steve Gillis as he gives us a bird’s-eye view into the deals, drama and decision-making behind the NRL player market. Having worked in rugby league as a journalist and player agent for almost 45 years, Chimes brings his trademark honesty and insight to Part 2 of this wide-ranging conversation. In this episode, Chimes breaks down Penrith’s player-market outlook, Tolutau Koula’s future at Manly, Melbourne’s expected bounce-back and whether Cronulla’s premiership window is closing. Plus, he explains the realities of Super League money, what went wrong at the Wests Tigers, Phil Gould’s role at the Bulldogs, the possibility of R360 returning, Laurie Daley’s Origin pressure, third-party deals, notional value and how agents support players through crises. It’s raw, revealing and a fascinating insight into how the rugby league player market really works. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Coming Up 00:45 — Intro 01:30 — Penrith’s November Player-Market Outlook 03:10 — Tolutau Koula, Manly and Anthony Seibold 06:12 — Melbourne Storm’s Rebuild 07:30 — Is Cronulla’s Premiership Window Closing? 09:05 — Cameron McInnes and the Reality of Super League Money 10:35 — What Went Wrong at Wests Tigers? 11:40 — Bulldogs, Phil Gould and Roster Changes 13:20 — R360: Can the Rebel Competition Return? 15:16 — Laurie Daley, Origin Pressure and the Media 17:59 — Unsigned Players and Contract Pressure 20:03 — Adam Ritson’s Remarkable Story 25:03 — Should the NRL Invest in Super League? 28:40 — Las Vegas, Global Round and NRL Expansion 30:38 — Third-Party Deals Explained 32:58 — Notional Value and Salary-Cap Scrutiny 35:46 — What It Takes to Become an NRL Player Agent 39:20 — How Agents Handle Player Crises 42:14 — Steve on Podcasting, Media and the Future 47:04 — Wrap-Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come inside the world of player agent and Chiming In presenter Steve Gillis as he gives us a bird’s-eye view into the deals, thrills and spills he’s overseen this season. Having worked in rugby league as a journalist and player agent for almost 45 years, Chimes knows the ins and outs of the game as well as anyone. In this episode of Chiming In, he gives us an inside look at Sam Walker’s future, how Adam Reynolds’ send-off was bungled, what’s next for Josh Papalii, and why the Dragons’ Couchman twins put their negotiations on hold. Plus, Chimes unpacks PNG’s recruitment plans, the Perth expansion challenge, player retirement funds, the coach market, and why smart recruitment is the key to sustained NRL success. It’s raw, revealing and a fascinating insight into how a player agent goes about his business. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Intro 01:49 — Adam Reynolds’ Retirement and Brisbane Exit 06:50 — Sam Walker’s Roosters Future 17:01 — Hugo Savala’s Roosters Loyalty 18:53 — DCE’s Career Crossroads 19:48 — PNG’s Recruitment Plans: Alex Johnston & Zac Lomax 26:41 — Alex Johnston’s South Sydney Exit That Never Happened 28:54 — Perth’s Marquee Player Challenge 31:10 — Can the NRL Sustain a 20th Team? 34:21 — Preparing Players for Retirement 36:07 — How the NRL Retirement Fund Works 40:56 — How Player Agents Find and Sign Talent 42:48 — Dane Gagai’s Move to Brisbane 44:46 — How Clubs Land Marquee Players: Ben Hunt 46:25 — Why the Couchman Twins Paused Negotiations 50:43 — Dean Young’s Coaching Journey 55:28 — Do NRL Coaches Need Agents? 59:56 — Should the NRL Add a Second New Zealand Team? 60:55 — Parramatta’s Recruitment Challenge 62:24 — Scott Drinkwater’s Cowboys Exit 65:35 — Brisbane, Madge McGuire & the Broncos’ Future 68:50 — Newcastle’s Turnaround 69:50 — Justin Holbrook’s Coaching Revival 70:27 — Are the Dolphins the Expansion Blueprint? 71:38 — Titans Recruitment, Roster Management & Penrith’s Dynasty 73:51 — Wrap-Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside Jai’s Journey. South Sydney CEO Blake Solly has been front and centre since news of Jai Arrow’s battle with Motor Neurone Disease began. In this episode of Chiming In, Solly shares insight into Jai’s courage and the way he has inspirationally lifted his teammates this season. He also reveals how coach Wayne Bennett was instrumental in ensuring Arrow was credited with 100 NRL games for the Bunnies — and how Souths pitched the idea to the NRL. But there’s more. Solly openly discusses: - The signing of Payne Haas - The futures of Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell - Why the NRL should invest in Super League - The new CBA - Wayne Bennett’s use-by date - Souths legend Nathan Merritt and his battle with cancer - South Sydney’s premiership chances It’s a must-watch episode for every rugby league fan — not just Rabbitohs supporters. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro: Inside Jai’s Journey 1:45 - Jai Arrow’s MND Diagnosis & the Rugby League Community’s Response 6:00 - Jai’s 100-Game Milestone & the Emotional Gold Coast Tribute 9:30 - Payne Haas: How Souths Got the Deal Done 14:00 - Why the NRL Should Invest in Super League 17:30 - Wayne Bennett’s Role in Jai Arrow’s 100th NRL Game 20:00 - Souths’ Culture, Facilities & Building a Lasting Club 26:00 - Souths Cares, Nathan Merritt & Supporting Former Players 30:00 - Does Wayne Bennett Have a Use-By Date? 32:00 - Cody Walker & Latrell Mitchell’s Futures 34:00 - NRL Expansion and Funding Club Pathways 38:00 - Can South Sydney Win the Premiership? 40:00 - The New CBA and Player Payments 46:00 - Why Financially Strong Clubs Matter 48:00 - Souths’ Stance on Gambling Sponsorships 50:00 - Making Rugby League More Accessible for Kids 52:00 - John Sutton’s Ongoing Role at Souths Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Gilbert has covered two Olympics, US golf majors, the Commonwealth Games and 11 years producing the Sunday Footy Show — but he started out earning nine grand a year at a tiny radio station in Goulburn, and very nearly lost the job in his first few months. Gilbert takes us from his early days growing up as one of six kids in Guildford, through a thousand dollars' worth of job applications that finally landed him a start at 2GN, to the night he slept through his alarm and left the Goulburn rural news off the air for nine minutes. He shares stories from three decades in Sydney media — stripping off on the Today Show, playing schoolboy rugby league alongside Greg Alexander, and the chaos of live TV crosses gone wrong. There are big names throughout too: a Kerry Packer safari-suit blow-up, a first-class seat next to a food-averse Tony Greig on the way home from covering cricket in India, and the story behind Beanies for Brain Cancer, born from the loss of his Channel 9 colleague Matt Calendar. Gilbert also opens up on leaving Nine "in the most public fashion" and why he has no regrets about any of it. In this episode of Chiming In, Tim Gilbert looks back on a career that took him from a country radio booth to some of the biggest stages in sport and media. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 01:36 - Welcome: Tim Gilbert joins Chiming In 02:04 - A career across the Today Show, Olympics and more 03:06 - Growing up half-Lebanese in Guildford, one of six kids 04:26 - A thousand dollars applying for radio jobs 05:06 - Landing his first gig at 2GN Goulburn 06:25 - The night he slept through the rural news 18:57 - Radio and TV bloopers, and taking his shirt off on the Today Show 20:22 - Playing schoolboy rugby league, and missing "the tackle" 21:54 - Eleven years producing the Sunday Footy Show 23:09 - Reading the news, and the chaos of live crosses 24:48 - Coat and tie above the desk, thongs below 32:08 - Covering cricket in India, and the "cream rises to the top" upgrade 39:19 - Kerry Packer, and the origin of Beanies for Brain Cancer 40:44 - A love of Sound of Music and Willy Wonka 43:03 - Life now: Lead Story, NSWRL and life after Nine 44:37 - Leaving Nine in the most public fashion 45:33 - No regrets along the way 46:13 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 - Intro 01:25 - Welcome: NSWRL CEO Dave Trodden joins Chiming In 02:14 - What people get wrong about the NSWRL 02:54 - The Blues as one of Australia's biggest sporting brands 03:48 - Matt King's appointment as Origin coach 05:01 - Did Ivan Cleary put his hand up? 10:41 - Why a club coach can't also coach Origin 11:57 - Will Origin players push for a bigger pay packet? 13:39 - A Monday morning inside NSWRL headquarters 19:51 - Protecting referees, and the Tamworth suspension controversy 21:01 - Is bush footy really dying? 23:28 - Visiting Junee with Laurie Daley 24:12 - Getting retired players back into country footy 25:44 - The economic value of 40,000 volunteers 28:08 - How Magic Round in Tamworth came about 39:20 - Falling in love with rugby league at the 1969 grand final 41:38 - Joining the Wests Tigers board almost by accident 44:02 - Becoming chairman during the merger fallout 45:21 - The fairytale run to the 2005 premiership 53:43 - Origin scheduling, PNG games and jersey tweaks 55:33 - 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.

Darryl Brohman OAM is back on Chiming In just over a year since his last appearance — and in that time he's fought off non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, his second cancer battle after prostate cancer a few years earlier. The Queensland Origin forward turned radio institution talks candidly about six rounds of chemo, losing his hair "everywhere," and the perspective he found sitting in a ward full of people going through the same thing — all delivered with the self-deprecating humour that's made him one of the game's most loved characters for the best part of 50 years. Brohman also looks back on winning the 1984 grand final with Canterbury after a move from Penrith, coaching reserve grade for Phil Gould at the Bulldogs, receiving his OAM for services to rugby league, and the racehorse syndicate he ran with Laurie Daley and Ricky Stuart that paid off in Melbourne on Oaks Day. In this episode of Chiming In, the Big Marn opens up on health, humour, and half a century in the game he loves — proving why he's still one of the best gets in the business. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 01:32 - Welcome back: Darryl Brohman returns to Chiming In 01:45 - Health update: beating cancer for a second time 03:25 - How the diagnosis came about 04:50 - Chemo, and finding perspective in the ward 06:22 - Does a football career prepare you for something like this? 09:54 - The line between commentator, expert and comic 12:02 - Was he always the funny kid? 13:06 - Prostate cancer, sleep apnea, and losing his sense of taste 17:26 - Meeting Bev, and coaching reserve grade for Gus at the Bulldogs 28:31 - Punting, and the racehorse he owned with Laurie Daley and Ricky Stuart 31:14 - Winning the 1984 grand final with the Bulldogs 35:04 - Receiving his OAM for services to rugby league 36:08 - Giving back through the Starlight Foundation 39:17 - Copping a spray from Tim Sheens, and getting dropped 42:00 - Backing Laurie Daley through the Origin scrutiny 1:00:15 - Life after footy: the media career and finances 1:01:20 - 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.

Peter Sharp is one of rugby league's most respected and longest-serving coaching minds — over 40 years in the game, and the man widely credited with discovering and shaping a young Andrew and Matthew Johns at the Newcastle Knights. From playing days at Maitland in the 1970s and a colourful path through Central Charlestown, England and Newcastle's junior system, Sharp went on to become an NRL head coach at Manly, an assistant to Craig Bellamy at Melbourne, and later took Hull FC on a 13-game winning streak in England before switching codes entirely to coach Ulster in rugby union. These days he's back in the NRL working alongside Phil Gould at the Canterbury Bulldogs. Sharp opens up on discovering a teenage Joey Johns, the night out that nearly cost the Jersey Flegg side a game, getting sacked and picked straight back up by Craig Bellamy, and the toughest and funniest moments from four decades on the sideline — plus a candid word on mental health and the Black Dog Institute. In this episode of Chiming In, Peter shares stories from a career that's taken him from suburban rugby league grounds to Belfast, and reflects on what's changed in the game he's given his life to. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Start 01:01 - Rugby league royalty: introducing Peter Sharp 01:35 - Phil Gould's tribute and the Gus friendship 07:29 - The Brian Smith interview and the "beef and pickle sandwich" job 08:35 - Growing up in Maitland, playing on the weight 13:11 - The 1977 grand final and a 30,000-strong crowd 14:06 - Injury, and backpacking to England 17:15 - Meeting Andrew and Matthew Johns at Newcastle 19:28 - The infamous night out before a Balmain game 21:21 - Rising to reserve grade and a premiership 23:39 - Becoming Manly head coach after Bob Fulton's shock resignation 26:22 - The Northern Eagles "messy flop" 28:13 - Forgetting his wife at Gosford 29:03 - Learning under Craig Bellamy at Melbourne 30:34 - Hull FC and a 13-game winning streak in England 31:51 - Switching codes: coaching Ulster rugby union in Belfast 41:19 - Greatest coach debate and rugby league heroes 45:00 - Media scrutiny then vs now 49:40 - Mental health advocacy and the Black Dog Institute 51:02 - Wrap-up: 32 years in rugby league 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.

Fresh off coaching New South Wales to a series win nobody outside the camp gave them a chance of, Laurie Daley sits down for a full debrief on the campaign — the celebrations, the criticism, and everything in between. Daley takes us inside the moments after the siren: the Gatorade shower, the speech in the sheds, a beer on the SCG turf with the playing group, and the 5:30am walk into a radio station on zero sleep to do an interview live, still buzzing from the win. He also answers his critics head-on — the press conference "grenade," the pile-on over Melbourne's interchange calls, and whether Laurie Daley holds a grudge (his answer: no, but he's keeping receipts). Along the way he talks through what Stuart Diver's story meant to the playing group, a reunion dinner with the 1996 Blues team, the viral clip of Phil Gould pinching his seat in 2002, and just how far Andrew Johns' influence reached inside the camp this year. There's also a quiet moment about his late father, and the song that reminded Daley he was with him in spirit on the day it mattered most. In this episode of Chiming In, Laurie shares what it really took to win the "unwinnable" series — and what's next for him and the Blues. 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Welcome: the Origin-winning coach in the studio 02:35 - What's next — the contract question and his plans 06:50 - Celebrations: the Gatorade shower and the sneaky phone request 08:52 - On the field when the siren went 10:27 - The team photo, and standing at the back on purpose 12:21 - A beer on the SCG turf and the speech in the sheds 14:59 - 16 weeks without a beer, then the one that mattered 16:10 - The 5:30am walk into the radio station 17:51 - Over a thousand texts, and who reached out 26:51 - The press conference "grenade" 29:09 - Does Laurie Daley hold a grudge? 30:15 - The "putting his players to sleep" story 32:44 - Answering the Melbourne interchange criticism 37:56 - Brian To'o's Origin future 39:44 - Stuart Diver's story and what it meant to the group 42:08 - Reuniting with the 1996 Blues team 44:03 - Phil Gould's "greatest ever" comments 45:44 - The viral Gus seat-pinching clip 47:38 - What he learned about himself this campaign 48:38 - Isiah Yeo's leadership in camp 50:26 - Nathan Cleary and the immortal conversation 52:13 - Mitch Moses' kicking game and his role in the win 56:25 - His late father, and the song that reminded him he was there 58:11 - Wrap-up and what's ahead for the Blues 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.

You would think former Manly coach Anthony Seibold would be death riding the Sea Eagles this year. Strangely, that’s not the case. Dumped by the Club after just three NRL games, Seibold is today back on top of his game and would be more than pleased if his former chargers went on to the win the premiership. In this episode of Chiming In, Seibold opens up on shock moment he was shown the door at Brookvale and how he has since put his life back together. His openness and honesty will surprise you. In fact, Seibold hasn’t given up on Coaching NRL again - despite failing to fulfil his last two contracts at Manly and Brisbane. He also talks candidly about his time at Souths and the enormous pressure he found himself under after joining the Brisbane Broncos. Often criticised but always up for the challenge, Seibold is one of rugby league’s true survivors. His honesty and frankness will surprise many and his journey from a ball boy to an NRL head coach will amaze you. 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 - Start 00:04 - Highlights 01:46 - Diagnosis Dementia 04:16 - Walking 05:06 - Warning Signs / Finding Out 07:01 - Biggest Killer in the World / Stats 08:41 - Treatment for Dementia 10:06 - Treatment in America 11:36 - Dealing / Living With It 12:46 - People Reaching Out 14:03 - Lightbulb Moment for Starting Charity 15:31 - England & Hull Work 18:46 - Raising Money & Marathons 21:56 - "Worst Thing That Could Happen" 25:36 - Nathan Cleary & Current Penrith 26:56 - Penrith Pride 28:31 - Named in His Honour + Retirement / Aged Living Apartments 34:16 - '91 Grand Final + Last Game 37:36 - Promise to Fans + Grand Final Night 39:01 - Growing Up in the Bush 43:46 - Early Sporting Days 46:59 - Pet Horse + Motorbike 50:16 - Meeting His Wife + Meeting in High School 52:46 - Clubs That Almost Signed 56:16 - Comparing Old vs New Players 58:11 - Isaah Yeo / Best Forward Ever 01:02:16 - Upcoming Walks & Fundraisers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wes Heritage is a former Australian Rules footballer who gave the game away to focus on the family business - burying people. And while some of his former team-mates went on to greatness, the hard working funeral director chose a different path. Each year, Heritage oversees more than 600 funerals - ensuring families and their loved ones are given nothing but the best support and care in a most difficult time. Death awaits us all yet we never really explore the funeral process until it’s bestowed upon us. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you die, Heritage has the answers on a Chiming In podcast of a very different kind. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Start 00:04 - Highlights 01:28 - Intro 01:52 - Introduction to Wes 02:37 - Death 03:47 - Starting the Funeral Business 06:52 - Witnessing Death 08:12 - Funeral Sizes 10:07 - Burying at Sea 11:19 - What Makes a Good Funeral Director? 13:37 - How Does It Work? 14:52 - Changes of Funerals Over the Years 18:07 - Picking Celebrants 20:37 - Wes' Experience as a Priest 20:57 - Funeral Costs 23:45 - Funeral Insurance 26:31 - Cremation 28:07 - Items of Remembrance 29:42 - Managing Emotions 32:52 - Pet Funerals 35:27 - Bikie Funerals 37:22 - Life After Death 38:37 - Open Caskets 41:17 - Funeral Songs 42:33 - Rivalry Companies 45:22 - White Lady Funeral 46:22 - Funeral Director Conventions 48:52 - Advice for Funerals 50:52 - Attending Wakes 52:22 - Funny Funerals 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 - Start 00:04 - Highlights 01:45 – Recruitment Manager 03:05 – How He Put Redcliffe Together 05:05 – Negotiating with Wayne Bennett 06:20 – Roster Strategy 07:40 – Dolphins Knock Backs 09:20 – Who Said No to the Dolphins 10:20 – Signing Hammer 11:40 – What Do You Look For in a Player? 12:40 – Dealing with Knockback 15:45 – Joel Kane Story 17:20 – Family + Kids (Sean O'Sullivan) 19:20 – Busy Schedule 20:20 – How to Become a Recruitment Manager 23:20 – Managing Melbourne Recruitment 24:20 – Recruiting Greg Inglis 27:50 – Greg Inglis Being a Blue 30:05 – "The Pitch" 31:35 – Working with Player Agents 34:25 – Parents + Agent Pressure on Players 37:15 – Negotiating with Different Backgrounds 38:45 – Player Obstacles Getting Into the NRL 39:50 – Perth Bears Recruitment 42:05 – Helping the Knights Recruitment 43:45 – Dylan Brown Signing 47:10 – Re-Signing Ponga 48:20 – Justin Holbrook's Effects on the Club 49:30 – Premiership at the Knights 50:40 – How to Say No to a Player 51:53 – November Deadline + Trade Windows 54:15 – Coaches, Agents + Representation 56:21 – Israel Folau 58:05 – RTS 59:04 – Boyd Cordner 01:01:05 – Phone Visible on the Wide 01:01:10 – PNG Signings 01:03:10 – Club Bucket List Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan Rankin was only 16 years old and still at school when he got the call-up to make his NRL debut for the Titans. He became the third youngest player in the game’s history to debut. On the day of the game, the Gold Coast halfback stuck to his normal routine which included donning his school uniform and heading off for classes. Looking back, Rankin’s journey has been truly remarkable, having had stints with the Gold Coast, Hull, Doncaster, Wests Tigers, Huddersfield, Castleford and Parramatta - where he captain coached the Eels NSW Cup team. Today, Rankin is an aspiring coach and is determined to make his mark. In this episode of Chiming In, Rankin recalls his journey, his plans for the future and discusses many of the challenges that face young players - just like he once was. It hasn’t been all plain sailing but Rankin’s recollection of his life as a rugby league player will inspire you. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Start 00:04 - Highlights 01:37 - 3rd Youngest Player to Debut in NRL 09:46 - Goals to Make NRL 10:54 - School before first NRL game 19:06 - Staying Grounded 20:09 - Dropped and NRL Return 22:19 - Should kids be allowed to debut before 18? 24:59 - Dealing With Anxiety 27:27 - Time at the Titans 29:09 - English Super League 35:01 - Coming back to the NRL (Tigers) 29:35 - Back to Super League again 41:00 - Back To NRL again (Parramatta) 45:05 - Captain/coach Parra Reserve Grade 48:30 - Flegg Coaching 49:18 - What makes a good coach? 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 - Start 00:03 - Highlights 00:48 - Phil “Buzz” Rothfield returns 01:15 - Why Buzz retired 02:29 - Life after rugby league media 06:00 - Andrew Abdo steps down 08:25 - Payne Haas to South Sydney 10:30 - Canterbury Bulldogs struggles 14:24 - Rugby league supporting its own & Try July 16:42 - Melbourne Storm and Billy Slater 18:22 - NRL global round and the Roosters 20:35 - Dragons and Shane Flanagan 23:24 - Blowout scores and rule changes 26:39 - Coaching pressure 29:49 - Best coach in the NRL 30:36 - PNG, New Zealand and expansion 33:01 - Perth Bears 34:39 - Zac Lomax and R360 36:35 - State of Origin and Super League 38:54 - Penrith Panthers and Ivan Cleary 40:05 - Newcastle, contenders and Grand Final prediction 42:07 - Coach of the Year and Dally M judging 44:12 - Wests Tigers 45:13 - Suburban grounds and Shark Park 48:27 - Gold Coast Titans and coaching accountability 52:58 - Wayne Bennett’s future 54:27 - Referees and the bunker 55:35 - Women’s rugby league and Emma Lawrence 57:32 - NRL 360, media pressure and Magic Round 01:00:00 - Final reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael “Mouse" Jenkinson is a highly decorated yet extremely humble Bondi Lifeguard. On December 14 last year, the man they nicknamed “Mouse” was about to complete a normal day of work at the beach with his colleagues when he two gunman started firing high powered rifles at innocent people. Fifteen people lost their lives and many more would have, if not for the courage of countless people like Jenkinson who ran towards danger - not away from it. Aside from the precious lives lost, as many as 40 people were wounded. In this episode of Chiming In, Jenkinson recalls that fateful day and how it will change the lives of so many forever. At tragic as the circumstances were, Jenkinson’s story - like so many other first responders - will inspire you. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Start 00:04 - Highlights 02:10 - Growing up 05:53 - Getting into being a Lifeguard 10:27 - Bondi Rescue 14:43 - Nickname Mouse 15:34 - 1st Day as a lifeguard 17:42 - Rescuing kids 24:27 - Bondi team 30:00 - Backpackers Rip 31:45 - Bondi attack 2025 43:21 - Ahmed El Ahmed 50:58 - Response from first responders 55:02 - The aftermath 01:01:35 - The Jewish community 01:02:28 - Mental recovery 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 - Start 00:04 - Highlights 02:04 - 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.

Craig Field could be considered one of the most polarising figures in rugby league. The diminutive halfback was told he was to small to ever play NRL yet went onto to play in 183 games - representing South Sydney, Manly and the Wests Tigers. Fast forward to today and Field is putting his life back together after being sentenced to 10 years jail for the manslaughter of a man following a fight outside the Kingscliff Hotel on July 15, 2012. In this episode of Chiming In, Field talks candidly about the day his life changed forever and his efforts to ensure people learn from his mistakes. He also reflects on a football career which saw him debut for Souths as a 17-year-old, play for Manly in the 1997 grand final and later become part of a Wests Tigers outfit that was full of talent but failed to fire. 00:00 - Start 00:04 - Highlights 02:04 – Released from prison 02:53 – What is doing today 06:09 – Craig coaching 07:33 – Growing up 08:24 – Starting League 13:59 – Rabbitohs false start 16:44 – Souths debut 20:42 – Form flatlining 21:44 – 1994 “arrival” as a player 23:44 – Rough time growing up 26:12 – Blowing cash & regrets 29:09 – Balancing passion and gifts as a coach 33:30 – Credit to grassroots volunteers 39:32 – Tenure at Tigers 42:49 – Trouble with alcohol & drugs 46:36 – John Hopoate incident 49:04 – Kingscliff Hotel jailing 53:22 – Police arrest 01:01:39 – Motivational speaking Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.