Billy Slater explains why he has decided to step down as Queensland State of Origin coach after five years in charge.

Billy reflects on his three series victories, the relationships he formed, the responsibility of representing Queensland and whether coaching could feature in his future. He also discusses the leading candidates to succeed him, including Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston.

Then, Billy and Peter Psaltis turn their attention to the NRL finals race: why the Warriors may be the competition’s best team, the alarming signs at Brisbane, the Cowboys’ costly loss, controversial bunker decisions, the Roosters’ premiership credentials and the Dolphins’ push for a top-four finish.

00:00 Welcome
00:23 Why Billy is stepping down as Queensland coach
02:10 Billy’s proudest achievement with Queensland
04:59 The call that brought Josh Papali'i back
06:16 Protecting what State of Origin represents
08:19 Who should coach Queensland next?
11:52 Could Billy coach again?
15:03 Billy’s all-in approach to life
16:57 Paul Vautin, Cameron Smith and the golf game
18:19 Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston as coaches
20:23 Are the Warriors the NRL’s best team?
23:43 How Andrew Webster transformed the Warriors
26:11 The Warriors’ returning players
27:16 Have the Broncos checked out?
29:48 Can Brisbane recover before the season ends?
31:02 The top-eight race opens up
33:42 The penalty that decided Cowboys–Eels
35:37 Stephen Crichton’s referee collision
39:18 Roosters edge the Panthers
41:42 Daly Cherry-Evans’ final NRL premiership push
44:29 Panthers face a dangerous Melbourne Storm
46:17 The Dolphins’ top-four opportunity
47:49 Why Kurt Donoghoe is so valuable
50:28 Dragons–Bulldogs preview
53:11 Closing thoughts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.