The Billy Slater Podcast

The Newcastle Knights are into their first Grand Final in 25 years after an extraordinary win over Penrith, while the Roosters booked their place with a dominant performance against the Dolphins. Billy discusses Nathan Cleary’s devastating injury, Newcastle’s incredible resilience, Kalyn Ponga’s leadership, the Roosters’ star-studded side and the key match-ups that could decide the premiership.

Plus, a preview of the NRLW Grand Final between the Broncos and Roosters and the State Championship clash between Penrith and the Dolphins. Pasted text

00:00 Grand Final week is here
02:16 Why live sport is still unbeatable
04:36 Knights stun Penrith to reach the Grand Final
05:05 Nathan Cleary’s injury and coming off the bench
09:34 Phoenix Crossland send-off and the hip-drop tackle
11:24 Billy’s theory on why hip-drop tackles happen
16:44 How Newcastle replace Phoenix Crossland
20:36 Dane Gagai’s huge finals performances
23:04 Kalyn Ponga’s leadership and emotion
26:03 Fletcher Sharpe could be a Grand Final game-breaker
28:47 Sandon Smith’s brave quick-tap try
30:36 Roosters v Dolphins breakdown
31:07 Why the Roosters are firing at the right time
33:25 Mark Nawaqanitawase’s incredible preliminary final
35:40 Robert Toia’s rise and defensive impact
36:44 Daly Cherry-Evans and the Roosters’ recruitment
42:07 Why developing juniors matters
44:35 State Championship: Penrith v Dolphins
45:25 Dolphins’ season and where they improve
47:59 Grand Final preview: Roosters v Knights
49:56 Justin Holbrook v Trent Robinson
54:02 Sam Walker’s return
55:40 Clive Churchill Medal contenders
58:03 NRLW Grand Final: Broncos v Roosters
59:44 Final Billy Slater Podcast of 2026

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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 Four
04:01 - Newcastle’s incredible turnaround
07:32 - Phoenix Crossland’s huge finals moments
09:02 - Billy’s verdict on the controversial Warriors no-call
13:16 - Where it went wrong for the Warriors
19:44 - Sandon Smith and Newcastle’s halves
22:17 - Dylan Lucas’ remarkable injury comeback
27:02 - Roosters eliminate the Sharks
30:36 - How the Roosters rebuilt into contenders
33:35 - Daly Cherry-Evans steps up
35:10 - James Tedesco finding his best form
37:04 - The Roosters’ set-play secrets
40:27 - What next for Cronulla?
42:45 - PREVIEW: Dolphins v Roosters
46:44 - Victor Radley v Morgan Knowles
49:14 - Billy’s Dolphins v Roosters thoughts
50:53 - PREVIEW: Panthers v Knights
54:09 - Nathan Cleary’s injured foot
56:45 - How Newcastle can upset Penrith
58:29 - Why Fletcher Sharpe could be the key
1:00:51 - Penrith’s hunger to return to the Grand Final
1:02:42 - Billy’s Panthers v Knights prediction
1:04:01 - Preliminary Final weekend

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Six teams remain in the race for the NRL premiership. Billy Slater reviews every result from the opening week of the finals, including Newcastle’s fearless performance, the Dolphins’ breakthrough victory and Penrith’s epic battle with the Roosters.

Billy also previews this weekend’s elimination finals and explains why something is drawing him towards another Knights upset.

00:00 NRL finals are down to six teams
03:22 Newcastle’s fearless finals approach
05:33 Dane Gagai’s leadership
07:38 Kalyn Ponga hits top form
10:31 Justin Holbrook transforms Newcastle
11:44 Where South Sydney fell short
13:23 Will Cody Walker play on?
15:00 What Latrell Mitchell needs this pre-season
18:57 Dolphins defeat the Warriors
21:46 Breaking down the Dolphins’ spectacular try
25:25 Kurt Donoghoe steps up
28:33 Kurt Donoghoe’s remarkable journey
29:51 Why the Dolphins can reach the grand final
32:17 Braydon Trindall’s courageous performance
34:06 Can Cronulla lift against the Roosters?
36:20 Where the Cowboys go next
39:08 Panthers and Roosters deliver a finals classic
39:58 Mark Nawaqanitawase’s extraordinary performance
42:51 Nathan Cleary’s sin-bin
44:54 The Roosters’ costly penalty decision
46:35 Nathan Cleary’s foot injury
49:00 Roosters v Sharks preview
52:56 Billy tips the winner
54:18 Warriors v Knights preview
56:29 Newcastle’s experienced leaders
58:41 Could Jett Cleary be called upon?
01:00:40 Billy and Salty make their finals selections
01:01:54 Salty tips Newcastle
01:02:22 Billy predicts a Knights upset

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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 arrived
00:50 Penrith claim the minor premiership
02:27 How to beat the Panthers
04:05 Penrith’s extraordinary depth
05:32 Liam Martin sets the standard
06:48 Jai Arrow’s inspiring courage
12:40 Are South Sydney vulnerable?
13:52 Latrell Mitchell sends a finals warning
16:16 Can Rround 27 form be trusted?
19:32 Sharks enter the finals without momentum
22:29 Melbourne’s season of adversity
25:09 Sua Fa’alogo’s breakout season
26:44 Why young players need time
28:59 Will Tyrell Sloan return to the NRL?
30:59 Canberra’s exciting young talent
32:19 Cowboys searching for form
34:03 Darius Boyd becomes Queensland coach
38:32 Rabbitohs v Knights preview
41:53 Warriors v Dolphins preview
48:10 Sharks v Cowboys preview
52:42 Panthers v Roosters preview
54:34 Why Victor Radley is crucial
57:14 Dylan Edwards v James Tedesco
59:30 Billy tips Panthers v Roosters
01:01:27 Penrith’s production line
01:03:26 Billy and Salty tip every final

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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 Finals
00:30 The massive decision facing top-eight coaches
04:24 There is nowhere to hide in September
06:16 The emotional tribute to Jai Arrow
10:38 Latrell Mitchell returns for South Sydney
14:40 The battle for a home elimination final
16:46 Should the NRL introduce wildcard finals?
18:47 Sam Walker’s devastating injury
21:38 How the Roosters can replace Sam Walker
23:59 The impossible decisions facing coaches
25:22 Jacob Saifiti’s send-off
27:18 Jett Cleary impresses on debut
28:32 How the Warriors overcame adversity
30:01 Mitch Barnett’s outstanding season
32:18 The Sunday afternoon upset curse
35:22 The controversial Tigers no-try
37:18 Can the Cowboys find their best football?
39:37 Verdict on the experimental kick-off rule
43:25 Melbourne’s exciting young winger
45:26 Sharks face a dangerous Storm side
46:42 The biggest games of Round 27
47:37 Finals preview

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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 up
00:49 Three teams level at the top
01:35 Billy breaks the ladder into three races
03:28 Why the Warriors have the perfect finals run
06:02 Joey Manu signs with the PNG Chiefs
08:11 PNG’s extraordinary recruitment advantage
09:58 The Chiefs’ first seven players
11:25 Developing Papua New Guinea’s local talent
13:48 How the Tigers stunned the Roosters
17:11 Patrick Herbert’s remarkable NRL comeback
18:10 Is the Roosters loss a blessing in disguise?
21:12 Sharks survive a scare against the Titans
23:48 Why elite teams value their wingers
25:02 The Dolphins’ premiership credentials
27:59 Billy makes his grand final prediction
29:56 The Dolphins’ dangerous bench weapons
31:13 Why the Dolphins can win the premiership
33:01 Are the Panthers back to their best?
35:22 Panthers v Bulldogs preview
36:26 Will Ivan Cleary rest players?
38:13 How the Warriors reached the top
41:13 Warriors overcome their injury crisis
43:54 What Kurt Capewell brings to a team
46:44 Josh Papalii’s emotional Canberra farewell
49:55 The Broncos’ remarkable comeback record
50:35 Broncos v Storm preview
52:21 Last year’s top four could all miss the finals
54:31 How Newcastle can threaten the contenders
56:27 Cowboys face a dangerous Tigers test
58:21 Round 26 final thoughts

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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 Welcome
00:23 Why Billy is stepping down as Queensland coach
02:10 Billy’s proudest achievement with Queensland
04:59 The call that brought Josh Papali'i back
06:16 Protecting what State of Origin represents
08:19 Who should coach Queensland next?
11:52 Could Billy coach again?
15:03 Billy’s all-in approach to life
16:57 Paul Vautin, Cameron Smith and the golf game
18:19 Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston as coaches
20:23 Are the Warriors the NRL’s best team?
23:43 How Andrew Webster transformed the Warriors
26:11 The Warriors’ returning players
27:16 Have the Broncos checked out?
29:48 Can Brisbane recover before the season ends?
31:02 The top-eight race opens up
33:42 The penalty that decided Cowboys–Eels
35:37 Stephen Crichton’s referee collision
39:18 Roosters edge the Panthers
41:42 Daly Cherry-Evans’ final NRL premiership push
44:29 Panthers face a dangerous Melbourne Storm
46:17 The Dolphins’ top-four opportunity
47:49 Why Kurt Donoghoe is so valuable
50:28 Dragons–Bulldogs preview
53:11 Closing thoughts

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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.

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00:25 Billy’s NRL ladder observations
02:17 Can Melbourne still reach the finals?
03:54 Dragons upset the Sharks
07:07 Why one poor performance shouldn’t define a contender
09:00 Cowboys respond after their record defeat
11:25 The rise of Heilum Luki
13:34 Where should the Warriors host a home final?
17:22 Aaron Clark’s outstanding season
20:04 Luke Metcalf makes his statement
22:59 The Warriors’ young talent and winning culture
26:29 Isaiah Yeo’s injury and the impact on Penrith
29:40 Why Billy refuses to write off the Panthers
30:15 How Nathan Cleary’s role could change
32:18 Will Penrith rest players before the finals?
34:09 Roosters survive a thriller against the Bulldogs
37:00 Cody Ramsey’s remarkable return
39:45 Is Billy coaching seven NRL teams next year?
40:24 Dolphins secure their first finals appearance
43:44 The experience powering the Dolphins’ forward pack
47:35 Cody Walker’s incredible match-winning 40/20
49:24 Melbourne prospect Hayden Watson impresses
51:44 Panthers versus Roosters preview
52:59 Bulldogs versus Rabbitohs preview
53:45 Can Brisbane upset the Warriors?
55:05 Round 24 closing thoughts

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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 Podcast
00:30 The NRL finals race begins to separate
01:18 Roosters score a historic 82 points
04:06 What went wrong for the Cowboys?
05:53 Are the Roosters timing their run perfectly?
07:46 Warriors enter the top-two conversation
09:24 Why the Warriors are so difficult to contain
10:27 Can the Warriors win the premiership?
14:57 Laurie Daley steps down as Blues coach
16:33 Billy reflects on Laurie Daley’s playing career
18:17 The players Billy idolised growing up
20:35 Penrith overpower Canberra in Mudgee
23:06 Nathan Cleary’s mastery of rugby league
25:15 Panthers young gun Jackson Edgar impresses
27:15 Can the Raiders still make the finals?
29:41 Kalyn Ponga inspires the Newcastle Knights
33:31 Why Fletcher Sharpe is so dangerous
35:09 Brisbane’s premiership defence is officially over
37:44 The trait the Broncos have lost
39:29 Should Brisbane blood young players?
42:45 Bulldogs defeat an understrength Storm
45:12 Melbourne’s next generation emerges
48:17 Adam Doueihi responds after a difficult week
51:14 Round 23 preview
51:49 Can the Cowboys bounce back?
53:19 Roosters and Bulldogs renew an old rivalry
54:44 Final thoughts

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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 Intro
00:44 Are the Broncos and Storm finished?
05:55 Can the Raiders make the finals?
08:13 PNG Chiefs land Zach Lomax
14:44 Why the Sharks are the NRL's form team
20:21 What's gone wrong at Manly?
22:54 Cowboys end Brisbane's season
25:57 Billy reveals what went wrong at the Broncos
30:12 Penrith's championship mindset
34:38 Why Penrith are still the team to beat
36:39 Bulldogs rediscover their defensive identity
39:26 Billy on the Adam Doueihi and Tigers drama
45:24 Billy backs Benji Marshall
47:14 Round 22 preview
49:09 Storm's next generation gets its chance
51:37 Billy's first game at fullback

 New episodes of the Billy Slater Podcast every Monday.

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