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