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 approaching
01:40 – Cowboys heartbreak against Parramatta
04:45 – Tom Dearden injury fallout for Queensland
07:00 – Dearden’s Origin story and opportunity for others
08:28 – “I’ve never discussed selection with players… that’s my responsibility”
09:32 – Magic Round auditions for Queensland hopefuls
10:37 – Origin bench strategy and the new 19-man squad
13:00 – How the expanded bench could change Origin tactics
14:30 – The great Queensland No.7 debate
15:54 – “I’ve been watching players for 10 weeks”
17:08 – Billy’s detailed preparation behind Origin selection
18:19 – Gus Gould on the speed and fatigue of the modern game
20:47 – Billy on how Origin evolves with the game
22:21 – Storm finally break through with an emotional win
24:10 – Billy runs into Terrell May at Melbourne Airport
26:16 – Panthers v Raiders delivers high quality footy
28:32 – Fatigue, recovery and why the modern game is brutal
31:00 – Why consistency is the hardest thing in rugby league
33:29 – Joey Walsh’s huge future at Manly
35:26 – Titans youngster Zane Harrison impresses Billy
36:00 – Why the Titans deserved more against the Roosters
39:11 – Josh Hannay building standards at the Titans
40:23 – Stories of Origin and Billy’s emotional favourite game
43:16 – Billy reflects on Innisfail, family and Queensland pride
45:50 – Mel Meninga’s lessons about representing Queensland
47:28 – Magic Round preview: “schoolies for adults”
48:27 – The games Billy can’t wait to watch at Magic Round

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The "Billy the Kid" Breakout: State of Origin Game 2, 2004

In this episode of Stories of Origin, host Matthew Thompson sits down with a true icon of the game, current Maroons coach and Queensland legend Billy Slater.

Travel back to 2004, a year that cemented Slater's place in Origin folklore. We revisit the electric atmosphere of Suncorp Stadium and the moment that left the sporting world breathless: Slater’s legendary double chip-and-chase try.

Join us as Billy reflects on the sheer instinct behind that iconic play, the magic of the 2004 series, and what it means to be part of the Maroons' enduring legacy.

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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?

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Billy Slater breaks down a massive round of rugby league, from the Wests Tigers’ mounting injury toll and what it means for their season, to the Sharks rediscovering their ruthless edge.

Billy also dives into Brisbane’s near miracle comeback against the Roosters, the growing danger of the Dolphins, and why Sua Fa’alogo may already be one of the game’s most thrilling match-winners.

Plus, Penrith’s grit, Manly’s missed chance, and the Warriors quietly building into a genuine force.

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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.

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Billy analyses the Brisbane Broncos' depth and the impact of Xavier Willison, discusses the Bulldogs' approach to team dynamics, and breaks down the current form of the North Queensland Cowboys - highlighting his admiration for Tom Chester and the challenge of facing them right now.

We also examine the potential fallout from Jarome Luai’s visit to PNG on the Wests Tigers’ stability, take a hard look at the Tigers' current form, and offer perspective on the Dragons’ ongoing struggles as they head into a crucial bye period.

Finally, Billy addresses the Storm’s crisis of confidence, the internal trust issues plaguing the side, and the difficult selection dilemmas facing Craig Bellamy, before wrapping up with a look at the surging South Sydney Rabbitohs and the impact of Bronson Garlick.

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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.

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Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis dive into a massive Round 6 that saw the Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans secure season-defining wins.

Billy breaks down why the Tigers are riding a wave of confidence ahead of their clash with the Broncos and discusses the "nice headache" Benji Marshall has with returning stars.

The boys also tackle the biggest talking points in the game, including the controversial "Disruptor" rule, the debate over the 20th NRL expansion teams, and why Billy thinks the game is becoming "too technical for its own good."

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