Freddy and the Eighth

Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns share their final words ahead of the 2026 State of Origin decider.
2024 Origin hero Bradman Best joins the show to discuss tactics and gameplan ahead of Game III.
Plus, the boys name the best Indigenous player they have played with in their careers.
All that and more on a special Origin edition of Freddy & the Eighth.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of Stories of Origin series five, host Mathew Thompson sits down with the legendary Greg Inglis to discuss his standout 2008 State of Origin campaign. Known for his power and intimidation, "GI" recalls how he overcame a difficult start to the series to secure a glorious victory in Queensland’s golden era of dominance.
Despite his on-field success, Greg reflects on the personal challenges he faced with his mental health. Now, as a fit and healthy family man, he uses his powerful profile to support indigenous people who are experiencing the same issues. His commitment to the Goanna Academy is making a significant impact, a legacy that extends well beyond his on-field achievements, especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.
This episode concludes series five of Stories of Origin, winner of the Best Sports Podcast at the annual Australian Audio Awards.
Host: Mathew Thompson
Executive Producer: Matty White
Thanks to TAB for supporting Stories of Origin Season 5.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With growing speculation around the future of the NSW Blues coaching role, Andrew Johns reveals why he would/wouldn’t take the role. Newcastle Knights legend and Blues hero Danny Buderus joins the show and tells us who he thinks should be the dummy-halves in the future for NSW. Plus, celebrating 10 years of Beanies for Brain Cancer and the remarkable job Mark Hughes and the Callandar’s are doing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one has had a greater influence on New South Wales rugby league than Brad Fittler.
A Blues legend, Freddy played a record 31 State of Origin matches for NSW before later coaching his state on 18 occasions. But the Origin story closest to his heart came in 2004, when Phil Gould convinced him to return from representative retirement for one final campaign.
It wasn't all smooth sailing. The comeback didn't start as planned, but it ended with one of the most memorable fairytale finishes in Origin history.
In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brad Fittler relives the 2004 series, his final season in the Sky Blue jersey, the unforgettable decider, and the perfect send-off alongside Phil Gould.
A farewell that remains one of the great moments in Origin history.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Johns and Emma Lawrence analyse all the fallout from State of Origin Game 2. Joey demands various changes to the Blues squad ASAP. The Eighth Immortal critiques the Blues poor interchanges and can't understand why Api Koroisau was not used.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.