The Billy Slater Podcast

Five days after Queensland’s heartbreaking Origin series defeat, Billy Slater opens up on the disappointment of Game Three, the pride he has in his players and the major decision awaiting him over his coaching future.
Billy explains why he is in no rush to decide whether he will lead the Maroons in 2027 and reveals what the Queensland team still means to him after five seasons in charge.
Billy and Peter Psaltis also break down the incredibly tight race to the NRL finals, why the Broncos face an almost impossible task, the pressure building on Newcastle, why the Dolphins can recover from their 66–0 defeat and the latest turmoil surrounding Jarome Luai and the Wests Tigers.
Plus, Billy previews a massive Round 20, including Panthers v Broncos, Roosters v Storm and the Queensland derby between the Dolphins and Cowboys.
00:00 Broncos’ finals hopes are all but over
00:22 Welcome and life after Origin
01:17 Billy reflects on Queensland’s series defeat
03:59 Max Plath proves he belongs in Origin
05:11 Sam Walker comes of age
06:34 Jojo Fifita’s confidence grows
07:37 The small moments that decide Origin
09:28 Billy addresses his Queensland coaching future
11:03 Why Queensland means more than wins and losses
13:18 The NRL run to the finals begins
15:40 Breaking down the top of the ladder
16:36 The incredibly tight race for the eight
17:05 Why the Broncos’ task looks impossible
19:38 The teams fighting for a finals position
20:17 Pressure builds on the Newcastle Knights
22:50 Can the Dolphins recover from 66–0?
24:56 Raiders keep their season alive
26:32 South Sydney celebrate Jai Arrow’s birthday
28:08 Tallis Duncan emerges as a genuine centre
29:02 Wayne Bennett’s backline gamble pays off
30:50 Rugby league rallies around Jai Arrow
33:02 Storm survive a Titans scare
35:26 Cooper Clarke’s enormous potential
37:04 Sharks make a premiership statement
39:43 Jarome Luai and the Tigers’ growing turmoil
43:50 Panthers v Broncos preview
45:07 Daniel Tupou reaches 300 games
46:47 The Roosters’ dangerous right-edge combination
47:57 Roosters v Storm preview
49:10 Dolphins v Cowboys preview
50:41 Billy returns to normal life
51:07 An update on Cheryl the deer

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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.
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The countdown to the State of Origin decider is on, and Billy Slater takes us inside Queensland camp.
Billy explains why the Maroons head to Rockhampton before every decider, the thinking behind recalling Jeremiah Nanai, what Pat Carrigan's return means for Queensland, and the disappointment of losing Lindsay Collins.
He also discusses Selwyn Cobbo's confidence, Sam Walker's emergence, how the Maroons are handling the pressure of a sold out Suncorp Stadium, and why connection, culture and legacy remain at the heart of Queensland's preparation.
00:00 Inside Maroons Camp
(00:44) The Road to the Origin Decider
(01:25) Why Queensland Heads to Rockhampton
(03:13) Lessons From Game II
(04:07) Why Jeremiah Nanai Is Back
(05:55) Building the Maroons Culture
(06:59) Pat Carrigan Returns
(07:53) Lindsay Collins Ruled Out
(08:54) Selwyn Cobbo's Confidence
(09:49) Preparing for NSW's Changes
(10:53) Handling the Pressure of Suncorp
(11:48) Sam Walker's Development
(12:46) Building Queensland's Combinations
(13:48) How the Spine Works Together
(16:39) Playing for the Maroons Legacy
(17:31) Billy's Final Message Before Game III
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Billy Slater opens up on the behind-the-scenes planning that helped Queensland handle Cameron Munster’s HIA scare in Origin Game Two.
Billy reveals he met with Johnathan Thurston on game day to run through contingencies, including the left-field plan to use Max Plath in the halves if Munster went down.
(00:00) Welcome to the Billy Slater Podcast
(01:04) The NRL finals race is starting to tighten
(01:55) Broncos and Raiders running out of time
(03:46) Billy reflects on Queensland’s Origin Game Two win
(05:40) Trent Loiero’s impact off the bench
(07:02) Sam Walker’s goal-kicking preparation at the MCG
(08:09) Billy’s special moment watching Walker, JT and Alfie Langer
(09:44) Selwyn Cobbo’s form, happiness and hard work
(11:29) The Max Plath contingency plan after Munster’s HIA
(12:08) Billy reveals his game-day meeting with Johnathan Thurston
(14:37) Why Billy told Max Plath about the plan before kick-off
(16:09) Queensland’s “whatever it takes” team mentality
(17:43) Queensland heading to Rockhampton before the Origin decider
(19:41) Central Queensland’s Origin connections
(20:19) Melbourne Storm’s resurgence continues
(22:21) Titans stun Penrith as Zane Harrison stands up
(24:35) Dolphins show their depth in big win over Tigers
(26:47) Should New Zealand have a second NRL team?
(28:29) Broncos v Roosters looms as a must-win clash
(29:27) Looking ahead to Origin Three week
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Billy takes us inside Maroons Camp on the Sunshine Coast ahead of a must win Origin Game 2 at the MCG.
(00:00) Introduction and Series Context
(00:41) Player Analysis: Thomas Flegler and Selwyn Cobbo
(02:35) Player Analysis: Robert Toia
(04:02) Team Changes and Selection Strategy
(05:46) Connelly Lemuelu's Debut
(07:25) The Challenge of Playing at the MCG
(08:37) Team Resilience and the Return of Reece Walsh
(11:10) Jojo Fifita and the Titans' Development Pathway
(13:10) Backline Combinations and Game Strategy
(13:51) Coaching Reflections and Queensland Pride
(16:11) Origin History, Culture and Team Spirit
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