Gus Weighs In on NSW No. 7 Debate: Six Tackles with Gus
Phil “Gus” Gould has never been one to shy away from bold opinions, and this week’s episode of Six Tackles with Gus was no exception. With State of Origin I fast approaching, all eyes are on who should wear the New South Wales No. 7 jersey—a position that has seen plenty of instability in recent years.
Gus Gould, a former Blues coach and one of rugby league’s most influential voices, shared his insight into who he believes should steer the ship for NSW in 2025. And as expected, his thoughts were both strong and thought-provoking.
Cleary Still the Benchmark
Despite his absence due to injury in previous Origin clashes, Nathan Cleary remains the standard for a halfback in Gus’ eyes. “If Cleary’s fit, he’s the first picked every time,” Gus said. “His control, kicking game, and composure under pressure are second to none. He’s matured into a general.”
But with Cleary’s fitness still in question leading into the selection window, Gould emphasized the need for a Plan B—and it’s not as clear-cut as some might think.
Hynes or Moses?
The two names most commonly thrown into the debate are Nicho Hynes and Mitchell Moses. Both have had strong seasons at club level, with Moses showing moments of brilliance in an injury-interrupted campaign for Parramatta, and Hynes playing consistently for the Cronulla Sharks.
“Moses has that electric pace and a big-game mentality. He’s been there before and held his own,” Gus said. “But Nicho brings something different—he’s unpredictable, he plays eyes-up footy, and he’s got a bit of that Origin spark. What he lacks in traditional structure, he makes up for with flair.”
Gould admitted it’s a “coin flip” between the two, but added that team balance and chemistry would ultimately determine the better fit. “You’ve got to consider who’s playing 6 and who’s at 9. It’s about combinations. If Luai’s at 6, maybe Hynes suits. If you’re going with someone more structured, then Moses probably edges him.”
A Bolter in the Mix?
In a surprising twist, Gus floated the possibility of a young bolter entering the frame—Bulldogs rookie Karl Oloapu. Though he’s yet to fully cement his NRL credentials due to injury, Gus believes he’s one to watch for the future. “I’m not saying he’s ready just yet, but keep an eye on him. There’s something special about that kid.”
Final Verdict
When pressed for a definitive answer, Gus leaned toward experience over experimentation. “If Cleary’s out, I’d go Moses,” he stated. “He’s got the kicking game, he’s led a side deep into finals, and he knows the pressure. But Nicho’s time will come—he’s knocking on the door.”
As NSW searches for consistency in the halves to finally wrest control back from a dominant Queensland side, Gus’ insights provide a valuable lens into the high-stakes decision the Blues must make.
One thing is certain—whoever gets the nod will be under the microscope from the first tackle to the last whistle.
