Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager

Terry Kennedy joins Chiming In for a brilliant trip through his career in Australian sport and media

From growing up around greyhound tracks with his father Frank Kennedy, to learning the ropes in regional newsrooms and calling almost 200 NRL games, TK shares the stories, characters and moments that shaped his career.

He also reflects on working alongside some of sport’s biggest names, his love of racing, unforgettable trips to Hong Kong, South Africa and Royal Ascot, plus the changing landscape of Australian racing and sports media.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

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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 realit...

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 ne...

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 si...

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 ni...

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 pu...

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.

Broh...

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 a...

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 un...

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...

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...

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 p...

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 ho...

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 fo...

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.

...

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...

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 coac...

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 And...

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 e...

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...

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...

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...

Eddie Jones is one of the most polarising coaches world rugby. He has been head coach of three international rugby union teams - Australia, England and Japan. It’s a unique notch in his belt.

But it’s his love for rugby league which often catches people by surprise.

Growing up in La Perouse, Jones was an avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter and played rugby league as a youngster. One season as a kid, Jones went and watched every Souths game - home and away.

And while a switch of code...

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...

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

04:20 - Fiji Flag  

05:30 - Storm losing players  

09:25 - Storm lost their bite?  

11:42 - Golden Boot winner  

15:02 - Injuries as a kid  

21:52 - Tigers player swap  

25:17 - Origin debut  

26:43 - Best ever Hooker?  

29:04 - Social media danger  

31:05 - Craig Bellamy  

33:45 - Storm army camp  

38:53 - AFL vs NRL  

40:30 - Captaincy  

43:07 - Grand Finals  

49:01 - Hobbies  

54:47 - Advice for kids  

56:05 - Rapid fire question...

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 epis...

Ken Callander is an Australian national treasure.

The legendary media personality warmed the hearts of millions of Aussies while successfully forging a career in print, television and the radio industry.

In this episode of Chiming In, Kenny shares some hilarious stories about his rise to fame from humble beginnings.

Highly respected, innovative and with a wicked sense of humour, Kenny reflects on numerous short stories which will entertain you from start to finish.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

04:08 – First memories of th...

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...

Cam McInnes is a rugby league warrior.

Often photographed at the end of a match will a bloody face and missing teeth, the NSW State of Origin representative concession 2026 will be his swan song at the club.

And with a premiership window well and truly at Cronulla, McInnes is hoping to go out on a high.

Soon to return from reconstructive knee surgery, McInnes speaks openly about the recovery process, his plans for the future and why this could be the Year of the Shark.

He tells...

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’s considered one of the most feared yet respected front rowers in modern day rugby league.

Jared Waerea-Hargraves is the highest capped Sydney Rooster and boasts three premiership rings.

Last season, he left the NRL for a swan song in the English Super League and came up trumps - winning the Challenge Cup, League Leaders Shield and the Premiership.

In his first ever podcast appearance, JWH exclusively shares the highlights of an amazing career and reveals what drives him to success. He also shares how he turned his back on...

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 - Start

02:00 - The car crash

10:00 - Getting fired from Fox

13:54 - Finding work

16:50 - Getting...

Seven years of torment finally put to bed

AFTER seven long years, St George Illawarra star Jack Debelin has finally tasted justice.

Last week’s sentencing of the lead detective who oversaw the rape allegation case against him was convicted of perjury after lying to the court while giving evidence.

In this episode of Chiming In, Debelin speaks for the very first time.

He shares his fears and frustration throughout the trial process and the relief he felt when the charges were finally dismissed.

He...

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 w...

Every rugby league player has a story but few have overcome more humble beginnings than dashing try scoring winger Ricky Walford.

Born and raised in Western NSW, Walford became a household name in the 1980s, plying his trade with Eastern Suburbs, North Sydney and St George.

In this episode of Chiming In, Walford talks openly about a his journey after being raised on a mission before finding his way to the bright lights of Sydney.

The way he articulates the challenges he overcame to get to the top will inspire...

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...

Bob McCarthy is considered one of the greatest rugby league players of all time.

He’s captained Australia, won premierships for Souths and was made a Member of the British Empire for his services to the sport.

In this episode of Chiming In, McCarthy shares stories of the Rabbitohs’ glory days where he played alongside greats like John Sattler, John O’Neill, Mike Cleary and Eric Simms.

He also speaks openly about the day he and his wife Judy almost lost their lives in the Black Summer bushfires in 2020.

...

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...

Jada Taylor announced herself to the rugby league world on June 23, 2022 when she ran from try line to try line to score a game breaking try for NSW against Queensland in an Under 19s match.

If you haven’t seen it - you should google it.

Millions of fans viewed the try both here and abroad - even movie star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson acknowledged her achievement.

FanaticsTV viewers might have already met Jada Taylor on Kenty Blitz, Footy For Real or Fox Sports where she is making a name fo...

Tommy Herschell is fast becoming one of the best known names in Australian sport. And he hasn’t had to make a tackle, sink a putt or wield the willow to catch the headlines.

The founder of a charity called Findyafeet - Tommy and his team run school, sporting and community based workshops for people young and old.

It provides a platform for people to tell their story, the skills to own their stuff and the tools to shift culture that’s been holding them back from speaking up for far too long.