Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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 - Start00:04 - Highlights01:37 - 3rd Youngest Player to Debut in NRL09:46 - Goals to Make NRL10:54 - School before first NRL game19:06 - Staying Grounded20:09 - Dropped and NRL Return22:19 - Should kids be allowed to debut before 18?24:59 - Dealing With Anxiety27:27 - Time at the Titans29:09 - English Super League35:01 - Coming back to the NRL (Tigers)29:35 - Back to Super League again41:00 - Back To NRL again (Parramatta)45:05 - Captain/coach Parra Reserve Grade48:30 - Flegg Coaching49:18 - What makes a good coach?

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