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