Origin Fallout, Dragons Shock the Broncos & Why Sam Walker Is Built for the Big Stage

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.