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 up00:49 Three teams level at the top01:35 Billy breaks the ladder into three races03:28 Why the Warriors have the perfect finals run06:02 Joey Manu signs with the PNG Chiefs08:11 PNG’s extraordinary recruitment advantage09:58 The Chiefs’ first seven players11:25 Developing Papua New Guinea’s local talent13:48 How the Tigers stunned the Roosters17:11 Patrick Herbert’s remarkable NRL comeback18:10 Is the Roosters loss a blessing in disguise?21:12 Sharks survive a scare against the Titans23:48 Why elite teams value their wingers25:02 The Dolphins’ premiership credentials27:59 Billy makes his grand final prediction29:56 The Dolphins’ dangerous bench weapons31:13 Why the Dolphins can win the premiership33:01 Are the Panthers back to their best?35:22 Panthers v Bulldogs preview36:26 Will Ivan Cleary rest players?38:13 How the Warriors reached the top41:13 Warriors overcome their injury crisis43:54 What Kurt Capewell brings to a team46:44 Josh Papalii’s emotional Canberra farewell49:55 The Broncos’ remarkable comeback record50:35 Broncos v Storm preview52:21 Last year’s top four could all miss the finals54:31 How Newcastle can threaten the contenders56:27 Cowboys face a dangerous Tigers test58:21 Round 26 final thoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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