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

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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?

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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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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

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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?

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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

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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 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

02:02 – What is a Football Manager?

05:10 – Welfare role

06:18 – FM disasters

10:58 – Travel for football teams

13:15 – Flights after serious injury

15:56 – Wearing the blue shirt

19:00 – Meals on the road

21:55 – What players can and can’t wear

23:44 – Johnny Sutton as a blue shirt

24:36 – Jason’s career

27:53 – Debut

31:13 – 2014 GF win

37:01 – Leaving Souths

41:23 – Joining Warrington Wolves

45:55 – Playing in France

53:18 – Souths in 2026

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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 codes took him to greatness and world recognition, Jones today remains engrossed in the NRL and his love and passion for the game have never wained.

In this episode of Chiming In, Jones gives us an exclusive insight into why he remains an avid NRL fan.

He shares with us his top five rugby league stars who would make it in rugby and also tips us a couple of rugby stars who could just as easily switch to the NRL.

Jones also confirms how he still harbours a dream to be involved in the NRL either as a coach of Club administrator before he retires from sport.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

02:10 - Growing up with League

04:25 - Randwick Rugby

05:20 - Getting into coaching

06:40 - HC at 3 different nations

08:57 - Top 5 NRL to Union players

12:22 - Top 5 Union to League players

15:49 - What rugby has that league doesn't

19:19 - R360

21:02 - Zac Lomax

23:10 - Rugby in Japan

28:56 - Wallabies in 2026

32:45 - Money in Union

34:03 - Wallabies 2023 'mistake'

38:05 - Coaching NRL

43:39 - Coaching England

46:20 - Ball in play in NRL & Union

49:29 - League vs Union refs

50:28 - Being a teacher

52:50 - Japan retirement

53:39 - Sacking from Wallabies

57:10 - Joey Johns to Union

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