Let Perseverance Do Its Work: Gus Backs the Tigers’ Tough Luai Call

With Origin now in the rear-view mirror, Gus explains why the emotional hangover can linger for players and clubs as the race to the finals heats up.

Gus praises Nathan Cleary’s brilliant decider performance, declares the champion halfback is yet to reach his peak and assesses the rebuild facing Billy Slater and Queensland.

The boys also unpack the Wests Tigers’ decision to release Jarome Luai early, why his one-year Parramatta move makes sense for everyone involved and the importance of allowing perseverance to do its work during a long-term rebuild.

Plus, are the Cowboys genuine premiership contenders? Can Melbourne survive without Cameron Munster? Could the Broncos upset Penrith? Gus previews every match in Round 20 and offers Rory McIlroy some unusual advice ahead of The Open.

00:00 Welcome and the Origin hangover

01:44 How Origin disruption affects NRL clubs

04:06 Dolphins’ 66-point defeat and the Sharks’ finals chances

06:32 The latest on Stephen Crichton’s neck injury

09:53 Player welfare and the physical toll of rugby league

10:50 The Open Championship and Gus’s golf tips

11:56 The congested NRL ladder

12:16 Why Nathan Cleary’s critics defy logic