“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.