The Billy Slater Podcast

9Podcasts

Origin coach Billy Slater and co-host Peter Psaltis break down winners, losers, players and clubs each week, answering the biggest questions of the round. Raw. Honest. On demand.

  1. 2d ago

    Billy Slater’s Finals Verdict: Who Survives Week One?

    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 final See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Aug 31

    Rest or Risk It? Billy Slater’s Finals Warning

    With one round remaining before the NRL Finals, Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis examine the huge decision facing every top-eight coach: rest the stars or build momentum? Billy explains why the call could make or break a premiership campaign and assesses the Panthers, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Warriors and Sharks heading into September. Billy also reflects on the emotional scenes surrounding Jai Arrow and Sam Walker’s devastating injury, Jet Cleary’s impressive debut and the controversial Tigers obstruction decision. Plus, could the NRL eventually adopt the AFL’s wildcard format, and did the experimental kick-off rule offer enough to survive? 00:00 One round until the NRL Finals00:30 The massive decision facing top-eight coaches04:24 There is nowhere to hide in September06:16 The emotional tribute to Jai Arrow10:38 Latrell Mitchell returns for South Sydney14:40 The battle for a home elimination final16:46 Should the NRL introduce wildcard finals?18:47 Sam Walker’s devastating injury21:38 How the Roosters can replace Sam Walker23:59 The impossible decisions facing coaches25:22 Jacob Saifiti’s send-off27:18 Jett Cleary impresses on debut28:32 How the Warriors overcame adversity30:01 Mitch Barnett’s outstanding season32:18 The Sunday afternoon upset curse35:22 The controversial Tigers no-try37:18 Can the Cowboys find their best football?39:37 Verdict on the experimental kick-off rule43:25 Melbourne’s exciting young winger45:26 Sharks face a dangerous Storm side46:42 The biggest games of Round 2747:37 Finals preview See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Aug 24

    Billy Reacts to Joey Manu’s PNG Move and Predicts the Grand Final

    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 thoughts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Aug 17

    Billy Slater Explains His Queensland Exit + The Alarming Signs at the Broncos

    Billy Slater explains why he has decided to step down as Queensland State of Origin coach after five years in charge. Billy reflects on his three series victories, the relationships he formed, the responsibility of representing Queensland and whether coaching could feature in his future. He also discusses the leading candidates to succeed him, including Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston. Then, Billy and Peter Psaltis turn their attention to the NRL finals race: why the Warriors may be the competition’s best team, the alarming signs at Brisbane, the Cowboys’ costly loss, controversial bunker decisions, the Roosters’ premiership credentials and the Dolphins’ push for a top-four finish. 00:00 Welcome00:23 Why Billy is stepping down as Queensland coach02:10 Billy’s proudest achievement with Queensland04:59 The call that brought Josh Papali'i back06:16 Protecting what State of Origin represents08:19 Who should coach Queensland next?11:52 Could Billy coach again?15:03 Billy’s all-in approach to life16:57 Paul Vautin, Cameron Smith and the golf game18:19 Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston as coaches20:23 Are the Warriors the NRL’s best team?23:43 How Andrew Webster transformed the Warriors26:11 The Warriors’ returning players27:16 Have the Broncos checked out?29:48 Can Brisbane recover before the season ends?31:02 The top-eight race opens up33:42 The penalty that decided Cowboys–Eels35:37 Stephen Crichton’s referee collision39:18 Roosters edge the Panthers41:42 Daly Cherry-Evans’ final NRL premiership push44:29 Panthers face a dangerous Melbourne Storm46:17 The Dolphins’ top-four opportunity47:49 Why Kurt Donoghoe is so valuable50:28 Dragons–Bulldogs preview53:11 Closing thoughts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Aug 10

    Panthers Without Isaiah Yeo: Can They Still Win the Premiership?

    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 thoughts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Aug 3

    Billy’s Broncos Warning & Laurie Daley Reaction

    Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis break down a massive Round 22 as the NRL finals race begins to take shape. Billy analyses the Roosters’ record-breaking 82-point performance against the Cowboys and explains why Trent Robinson’s side may be timing its premiership run perfectly. They also discuss the Warriors’ versatility and growing premiership credentials, Penrith’s powerful return to form, Nathan Cleary’s mastery of the game and the development of Panthers young gun Jaxon Edgar. Billy reflects on Laurie Daley’s decision to step down as New South Wales coach, reveals the players he idolised growing up and explains why Reggie Cressbrook was one of his childhood favourites. The boys examine the Broncos’ failed premiership defence, the controllable factors Brisbane got wrong and whether Michael Maguire should use the final five rounds to blood young players. Plus, the Bulldogs continue their winning streak, Melbourne unveils another promising young halfback, Adam Doueihi responds after a difficult week and Billy previews the biggest matches of Round 23. 00:00 Welcome to the Billy Slater Podcast00:30 The NRL finals race begins to separate01:18 Roosters score a historic 82 points04:06 What went wrong for the Cowboys?05:53 Are the Roosters timing their run perfectly?07:46 Warriors enter the top-two conversation09:24 Why the Warriors are so difficult to contain10:27 Can the Warriors win the premiership?14:57 Laurie Daley steps down as Blues coach16:33 Billy reflects on Laurie Daley’s playing career18:17 The players Billy idolised growing up20:35 Penrith overpower Canberra in Mudgee23:06 Nathan Cleary’s mastery of rugby league25:15 Panthers young gun Jackson Edgar impresses27:15 Can the Raiders still make the finals?29:41 Kalyn Ponga inspires the Newcastle Knights33:31 Why Fletcher Sharpe is so dangerous35:09 Brisbane’s premiership defence is officially over37:44 The trait the Broncos have lost39:29 Should Brisbane blood young players?42:45 Bulldogs defeat an understrength Storm45:12 Melbourne’s next generation emerges48:17 Adam Doueihi responds after a difficult week51:14 Round 23 preview51:49 Can the Cowboys bounce back?53:19 Roosters and Bulldogs renew an old rivalry54:44 Final thoughts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Jul 13

    “I Still Love This Footy Team”: Billy Slater and His Origin Future

    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 over00:22 Welcome and life after Origin01:17 Billy reflects on Queensland’s series defeat03:59 Max Plath proves he belongs in Origin05:11 Sam Walker comes of age06:34 Jojo Fifita’s confidence grows07:37 The small moments that decide Origin09:28 Billy addresses his Queensland coaching future11:03 Why Queensland means more than wins and losses13:18 The NRL run to the finals begins15:40 Breaking down the top of the ladder16:36 The incredibly tight race for the eight17:05 Why the Broncos’ task looks impossible19:38 The teams fighting for a finals position20:17 Pressure builds on the Newcastle Knights22:50 Can the Dolphins recover from 66–0?24:56 Raiders keep their season alive26:32 South Sydney celebrate Jai Arrow’s birthday28:08 Tallis Duncan emerges as a genuine centre29:02 Wayne Bennett’s backline gamble pays off30:50 Rugby league rallies around Jai Arrow33:02 Storm survive a Titans scare35:26 Cooper Clarke’s enormous potential37:04 Sharks make a premiership statement39:43 Jarome Luai and the Tigers’ growing turmoil43:50 Panthers v Broncos preview45:07 Daniel Tupou reaches 300 games46:47 The Roosters’ dangerous right-edge combination47:57 Roosters v Storm preview49:10 Dolphins v Cowboys preview50:41 Billy returns to normal life51:07 An update on Cheryl the deer   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Origin coach Billy Slater and co-host Peter Psaltis break down winners, losers, players and clubs each week, answering the biggest questions of the round. Raw. Honest. On demand.

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