The Billy Slater Podcast

Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis break down a huge weekend of NRL finals as Newcastle and the Roosters book their places in the final four. Billy gives his verdict on the controversial late no-call in the Knights-Warriors clash, the remarkable rise of Newcastle under Justin Holbrook and the Roosters hitting form at exactly the right time. Plus, Billy previews both preliminary finals, Dolphins v Roosters and Panthers v Knights, discusses Nathan Cleary’s injury and reveals who he thinks will reach the 2026 NRL Grand Final. 00:00 - The NRL Final Four04:01 - Newcastle’s incredible turnaround07:32 - Phoenix Crossland’s huge finals moments09:02 - Billy’s verdict on the controversial Warriors no-call13:16 - Where it went wrong for the Warriors19:44 - Sandon Smith and Newcastle’s halves22:17 - Dylan Lucas’ remarkable injury comeback27:02 - Roosters eliminate the Sharks30:36 - How the Roosters rebuilt into contenders33:35 - Daly Cherry-Evans steps up35:10 - James Tedesco finding his best form37:04 - The Roosters’ set-play secrets40:27 - What next for Cronulla?42:45 - PREVIEW: Dolphins v Roosters46:44 - Victor Radley v Morgan Knowles49:14 - Billy’s Dolphins v Roosters thoughts50:53 - PREVIEW: Panthers v Knights54:09 - Nathan Cleary’s injured foot56:45 - How Newcastle can upset Penrith58:29 - Why Fletcher Sharpe could be the key1:00:51 - Penrith’s hunger to return to the Grand Final1:02:42 - Billy’s Panthers v Knights prediction1:04:01 - Preliminary Final weekendSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis preview every game from the opening week of the 2026 NRL finals. Billy explains why Penrith remain the competition’s hardest team to beat, why the Roosters cannot be written off, how the Dolphins could silence Auckland and which players could decide the elimination final between the Sharks and Cowboys. The pair also reflect on Jai Arrow’s inspiring courage, Melbourne’s response to a difficult season and Darius Boyd’s appointment as Queensland coach before revealing their tips for all four finals. 00:00 Finals have arrived00:50 Penrith claim the minor premiership02:27 How to beat the Panthers04:05 Penrith’s extraordinary depth05:32 Liam Martin sets the standard06:48 Jai Arrow’s inspiring courage12:40 Are South Sydney vulnerable?13:52 Latrell Mitchell sends a finals warning16:16 Can Rround 27 form be trusted?19:32 Sharks enter the finals without momentum22:29 Melbourne’s season of adversity25:09 Sua Fa’alogo’s breakout season26:44 Why young players need time28:59 Will Tyrell Sloan return to the NRL?30:59 Canberra’s exciting young talent32:19 Cowboys searching for form34:03 Darius Boyd becomes Queensland coach38:32 Rabbitohs v Knights preview41:53 Warriors v Dolphins preview48:10 Sharks v Cowboys preview52:42 Panthers v Roosters preview54:34 Why Victor Radley is crucial57:14 Dylan Edwards v James Tedesco59:30 Billy tips Panthers v Roosters01:01:27 Penrith’s production line01:03:26 Billy and Salty tip every finalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With only two rounds remaining before the NRL finals, Billy Slater breaks down the race for the minor premiership, the top four and the final places inside the eight. Billy reveals why he is predicting a cracking grand final, explains how the Tigers exposed the Roosters and assesses whether Penrith can defend their premiership under mounting pressure. The team also discusses Joey Manu’s blockbuster move to the PNG Chiefs, the extraordinary recruitment advantage created by tax-free contracts, the Warriors’ winning culture, Josh Papalii’s emotional Canberra farewell and the teams fighting to keep their seasons alive. 00:00 The NRL finals race heats up00:49 Three teams level at the top01:35 Billy breaks the ladder into three races03:28 Why the Warriors have the perfect finals run06:02 Joey Manu signs with the PNG Chiefs08:11 PNG’s extraordinary recruitment advantage09:58 The Chiefs’ first seven players11:25 Developing Papua New Guinea’s local talent13:48 How the Tigers stunned the Roosters17:11 Patrick Herbert’s remarkable NRL comeback18:10 Is the Roosters loss a blessing in disguise?21:12 Sharks survive a scare against the Titans23:48 Why elite teams value their wingers25:02 The Dolphins’ premiership credentials27:59 Billy makes his grand final prediction29:56 The Dolphins’ dangerous bench weapons31:13 Why the Dolphins can win the premiership33:01 Are the Panthers back to their best?35:22 Panthers v Bulldogs preview36:26 Will Ivan Cleary rest players?38:13 How the Warriors reached the top41:13 Warriors overcome their injury crisis43:54 What Kurt Capewell brings to a team46:44 Josh Papalii’s emotional Canberra farewell49:55 The Broncos’ remarkable comeback record50:35 Broncos v Storm preview52:21 Last year’s top four could all miss the finals54:31 How Newcastle can threaten the contenders56:27 Cowboys face a dangerous Tigers test58:21 Round 26 final thoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Round 23 delivered spectacular comebacks, major upsets and another dramatic shake-up of the NRL ladder. Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis assess the race for the minor premiership, explain why Newcastle should concern every finals contender and consider whether Melbourne can still make a late charge for the top eight. Billy breaks down the Warriors’ premiership credentials, Luke Metcalf’s impact at halfback and the emergence of Aaron Clark and Leka Halasima. He also examines how the Panthers can replace the injured Isaiah Yeo and why writing off the defending champions would be a serious mistake. The team also discusses the Roosters’ rising stars, Cody Ramsey’s remarkable return, the Dolphins’ first finals appearance, Cody Walker’s extraordinary match-winning play and the biggest contests awaiting us in Round 24. New episodes of The Billy Slater Podcast are available every Monday. 00:25 Billy’s NRL ladder observations02:17 Can Melbourne still reach the finals?03:54 Dragons upset the Sharks07:07 Why one poor performance shouldn’t define a contender09:00 Cowboys respond after their record defeat11:25 The rise of Heilum Luki13:34 Where should the Warriors host a home final?17:22 Aaron Clark’s outstanding season20:04 Luke Metcalf makes his statement22:59 The Warriors’ young talent and winning culture26:29 Isaiah Yeo’s injury and the impact on Penrith29:40 Why Billy refuses to write off the Panthers30:15 How Nathan Cleary’s role could change32:18 Will Penrith rest players before the finals?34:09 Roosters survive a thriller against the Bulldogs37:00 Cody Ramsey’s remarkable return39:45 Is Billy coaching seven NRL teams next year?40:24 Dolphins secure their first finals appearance43:44 The experience powering the Dolphins’ forward pack47:35 Cody Walker’s incredible match-winning 40/2049:24 Melbourne prospect Hayden Watson impresses51:44 Panthers versus Roosters preview52:59 Bulldogs versus Rabbitohs preview53:45 Can Brisbane upset the Warriors?55:05 Round 24 closing thoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just six rounds remaining before the finals, Billy Slater breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league. Can the injury-hit Storm still pull off a miracle? Why Cronulla have become the competition's hottest team, and why Penrith remain the safest premiership pick despite not being the form side. Billy also gives his thoughts on the West Tigers' Adam Doueihi saga, the Bulldogs rediscovering their defensive identity, and the extraordinary recruitment advantage being handed to the new PNG Chiefs after landing Zach Lomax and chasing more elite talent. 00:19 Intro00:44 Are the Broncos and Storm finished?05:55 Can the Raiders make the finals?08:13 PNG Chiefs land Zach Lomax14:44 Why the Sharks are the NRL's form team20:21 What's gone wrong at Manly?22:54 Cowboys end Brisbane's season25:57 Billy reveals what went wrong at the Broncos30:12 Penrith's championship mindset34:38 Why Penrith are still the team to beat36:39 Bulldogs rediscover their defensive identity39:26 Billy on the Adam Doueihi and Tigers drama45:24 Billy backs Benji Marshall47:14 Round 22 preview49:09 Storm's next generation gets its chance51:37 Billy's first game at fullback  New episodes of the Billy Slater Podcast every Monday.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 ThompsonExecutive Producer: Matty White Thanks to TAB for supporting Stories of Origin Season 5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 weekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Slater breaks down a fascinating halfway point of the NRL season, with the ladder tighter than ever and plenty of contenders emerging. Billy explains why Melbourne's improvement is no coincidence, what impressed him most about Sam Walker's State of Origin debut, and why the Dragons' upset win over Brisbane could prove a season-defining moment. Plus, the Panthers and Warriors battle for top spot, the Raiders flex their muscle, and a full preview of Round 14. (00:00) Welcome to the Billy Slater Podcast(00:31) Halfway Through the Season: The Ladder Tightens(01:54) Melbourne Storm's Improvement and Sua Fa'alogo's Impact(03:09) Why Patience Is Returning to Melbourne's Game(04:06) Roosters Get a Pass After Storm Defeat(05:02) Inside Sam Walker's Origin Debut Preparation(06:29) Handling Success and Origin Expectations(08:13) Coaching Through an Origin Series(09:27) Queensland Selection Watch and Patty Carrigan Injury Update(10:12) Dragons Finally Break Through Against Brisbane(11:58) The Leadership That Sparked St George Illawarra(13:57) Panthers Edge Warriors in a Battle of the Heavyweights(16:25) Raiders Dominate Cowboys Through the Middle(18:13) Jonathan Thurston's Canberra Cold Weather Struggles(19:38) Canberra's Forward Depth(22:19) Tom Dearden's Origin Prospects(23:26) Sharks Hold Off Brave Manly Challenge(24:58) Injury-Hit Eels Earn Respect Against Newcastle(26:54) Jermaine McEwen and Dylan Lucas Flying Under the Radar(28:56) Contrasting Styles Shaping the NRL Premiership Race(30:42) Round 14 Preview: Manly v Rabbitohs(31:44) Storm v Knights and Raiders v Roosters Preview(33:26) Queensland Day Footy: Cowboys v Dolphins & Broncos v Titans(35:01) Sharks v Dragons Derby Preview(36:14) Stories of Origin: Cameron Smith's Favourite Game(40:19) Wrap Up and FarewellSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With State of Origin just around the corner, Billy Slater gives a rare insight into the pressure and preparation behind selecting a Queensland team. After Tom Dearden’s injury rocked the Maroons picture, Billy explains why selection decisions sit with him and why he’s been watching every Queensland player closely for the past 10 weeks. Billy and Peter Psaltis break down the Cowboys’ heartbreaking loss to Parramatta, the impact of Dearden’s injury, and the growing debate around Queensland’s halves and bench makeup under the new 19-man squad rules. There’s also a deep dive into the changing speed of the modern game, why recovery and fitness are becoming more important than ever, and whether Origin itself is evolving. Plus, Melbourne finally snap their losing streak, Billy shares a funny airport moment with Terrell May, the Raiders and Panthers produce a classic in Canberra, young halves continue to emerge across the NRL, and Billy opens up emotionally on the Stories of Origin Podcast and the game that meant the most to his hometown of Innisfail. And a Magic Round preview… “schoolies for adults.” Chapters:00:00 – “It feels like Christmas Eve” with Origin and Magic Round approaching01:40 – Cowboys heartbreak against Parramatta04:45 – Tom Dearden injury fallout for Queensland07:00 – Dearden’s Origin story and opportunity for others08:28 – “I’ve never discussed selection with players… that’s my responsibility”09:32 – Magic Round auditions for Queensland hopefuls10:37 – Origin bench strategy and the new 19-man squad13:00 – How the expanded bench could change Origin tactics14:30 – The great Queensland No.7 debate15:54 – “I’ve been watching players for 10 weeks”17:08 – Billy’s detailed preparation behind Origin selection18:19 – Gus Gould on the speed and fatigue of the modern game20:47 – Billy on how Origin evolves with the game22:21 – Storm finally break through with an emotional win24:10 – Billy runs into Terrell May at Melbourne Airport26:16 – Panthers v Raiders delivers high quality footy28:32 – Fatigue, recovery and why the modern game is brutal31:00 – Why consistency is the hardest thing in rugby league33:29 – Joey Walsh’s huge future at Manly35:26 – Titans youngster Zane Harrison impresses Billy36:00 – Why the Titans deserved more against the Roosters39:11 – Josh Hannay building standards at the Titans40:23 – Stories of Origin and Billy’s emotional favourite game43:16 – Billy reflects on Innisfail, family and Queensland pride45:50 – Mel Meninga’s lessons about representing Queensland47:28 – Magic Round preview: “schoolies for adults”48:27 – The games Billy can’t wait to watch at Magic RoundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy and Psaltry dig into one of the NRL's most pressing storylines - Jerome Lui's move to the PNG Chiefs and what it means for the Perth Bears' ability to compete.  Billy breaks down why Perth faces a uniquely difficult challenge, with the Chiefs effectively operating on double the salary cap thanks to tax-free dollars and third-party arrangements.  Then it's Round 10 preview time - the Dolphins v Bulldogs, Cowboys v Parramatta (and what Reed Mahoney’s journey tells us about what clubs get wrong), and can the Raiders back up their Gold Coast ambush against the Panthers at home?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy dives into the huge Women’s Origin showdown and what’s at stake as the rivalry intensifies. Plus, he breaks down Dolphins v Storm, why the Roosters-Broncos clash could hinge on key depth players like Deine Mariner and the possible return of Reece Walsh.  Billy’s expert eye on the weekend ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The major talking point this week is the departure of Shane Flanagan from the St George Illawarra Dragons. Billy offers his insights into the change at the helm and what Dean Young faces as he takes the interim reins. With Origin now on the horizon, the injury toll is becoming a major conversation, headlined by the blow to Blues prop Payne Haas. The boys also look at the impact these mid-season injuries have on representative selection and stability. Finally, we preview a huge ANZAC Round. From the traditional clash between the Dragons and the Roosters to the Storm’s test against the Rabbitohs, we break down what to expect in Round 8.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.