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
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