Chimes Joins Warren Livingstone To Talk Trade Windows, Lomax & Matterson + Bennett's future

Warren Livingstone is joined by Steve “Chimes” Gillis filling in for Kent Paul to unpack the ongoing Lomax drama and preview a blockbuster Round 1.

The episode opens with a plug for the new fanatics.tv website, which the hosts describe as a central hub for the network’s podcasts, articles, newsletters and merchandise ahead of the NRL season kick-off. Livingstone also acknowledges supportive messages sent to the show, with Gillis jokingly opting not to read them out.

Lomax saga sparks agent backlash

Discussion quickly turns to the fallout surrounding Zac Lomax’s move from Parramatta to Melbourne, after player agent Ryan Matterson publicly criticised the Eels for excluding him from negotiations.

Gillis said while quiet club-to-club conversations were common early in the recruitment process, cutting agents out once talks intensified was poor practice. The Rugby League Players’ Association has also weighed in, criticising both clubs for the handling of the situation.

“Clubs will connect with each other and do deals… without the players and… agents even knowing.”

Gillis said “shoulder taps” - informal approaches to players deemed surplus to requirements - happen regularly across the NRL, particularly in the final year of a contract. Agents are often asked to quietly gauge the market for those players.

He said he had personally moved “dozens” of players during his time as an agent, noting that being pushed out of a club could have serious career consequences, including reserve-grade stints and falling market value. He cited former Parramatta halfback Chris Sandow as an example.

“There’s probably… six to 10 NRL players… clubs would like to move today.”

Trade window idea gains support

The controversy led Gillis to suggest the NRL should consider introducing two formal trade windows each season — one before the competition begins and another mid-year - to provide transparency around player movement.

“After experiencing this case… probably… a good idea to have a trade window.”

He said any system would need mutual agreement between clubs and players, but pointed to the NFL’s trade period as an example of how the concept could generate fan engagement.

Coaching succession and Bennett future

The conversation then shifts to coaching, with former Storm assistant Frank Ponissi raising the prospect of Aaron Bellamy eventually succeeding Craig Bellamy in Melbourne to maintain the club’s internal “Melbourne DNA”.

Gillis said Bellamy’s passion for coaching remained undiminished despite decades at the helm recalling a memory of the Storm coach in the office just days after a Grand Final.

“He just loves it… in the office… working.”

Meanwhile, veteran coach Wayne Bennett is reportedly closing in on a contract extension with the Dolphins, potentially ending speculation about a move to coach a future Papua New Guinea expansion side.

“Whilst he’s got a pulse, I think he’s got a job.”

The show also touched on Origin selection intrigue, with the NRL believed to be sounding out Mitch Barnett as a possible replacement for injured Blues prop Payne Haas, though the Warriors would likely demand compensation if the forward was released early.

PointsBet Preview

The hosts wrapped up with a Round 1 preview in partnership with PointsBet, tipping a tight start to the season.

The Storm ($1.45) enter the year chasing a 23rd consecutive win but face a Panthers side ($2.70) dealing with injuries, while the Roosters ($1.50) — Gillis’ premiership tip — open against the Warriors ($2.55).

“They’re the team to beat… window open… seven years.”

Elsewhere, the Broncos ($1.68) host Penrith, the Sharks ($1.28) meet the Titans ($3.55), Manly ($1.90) take on the Raiders ($1.90) and the Dolphins ($1.85) clash with the Rabbitohs ($1.95).

“I’m backing Alamoti at $9… dreadful gambler.”

AI Kenty and Chiming In Sneak Peak

The episode finishes with “AI Kenty” predictions for the season, tipping the Panthers to win the premiership, the Titans for the wooden spoon and the Dragons as surprise improvers.

Gillis also questioned the handling of young Tigers star Jahream Bula’s contract talks, suggesting his delayed negotiations could indicate movement behind the scenes involving agent Isaac Moses.

Gillis finished by promoting the next Chiming In podcast episode, featuring an interview with Shane Richardson discussing the ongoing drama at the Tigers. Expect '10 back page stories' from Richardson who doesn’t hold back.”

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