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 approaching01:40 – Cowboys heartbreak against Parramatta04:45 – Tom Dearden injury fallout for Queensland07:00 – Dearden’s Origin story and opportunity for others08:28 – “I’ve never discussed selection with players… that’s my responsibility”09:32 – Magic Round auditions for Queensland hopefuls10:37 – Origin bench strategy and the new 19-man squad13:00 – How the expanded bench could change Origin tactics14:30 – The great Queensland No.7 debate15:54 – “I’ve been watching players for 10 weeks”17:08 – Billy’s detailed preparation behind Origin selection18:19 – Gus Gould on the speed and fatigue of the modern game20:47 – Billy on how Origin evolves with the game22:21 – Storm finally break through with an emotional win24:10 – Billy runs into Terrell May at Melbourne Airport26:16 – Panthers v Raiders delivers high quality footy28:32 – Fatigue, recovery and why the modern game is brutal31:00 – Why consistency is the hardest thing in rugby league33:29 – Joey Walsh’s huge future at Manly35:26 – Titans youngster Zane Harrison impresses Billy36:00 – Why the Titans deserved more against the Roosters39:11 – Josh Hannay building standards at the Titans40:23 – Stories of Origin and Billy’s emotional favourite game43:16 – Billy reflects on Innisfail, family and Queensland pride45:50 – Mel Meninga’s lessons about representing Queensland47:28 – Magic Round preview: “schoolies for adults”48:27 – The games Billy can’t wait to watch at Magic RoundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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