Episode 12 of the Down the Sideline Podcast is here.

This week the boys dive into the official State of Origin team announcements and ask the bigger question around the game right now… does Origin still feel as massive as it once did?

The panel breaks down the key selections, surprise calls and what the squads say about where both NSW and Queensland are heading heading into the series opener.

Plus:

• Full Origin team reactions

• Magic Round fallout and biggest takeaways

• Ivan Cleary discussion and the wider impact on the game

• Clubs rising and falling across the competition

• Metcalf’s breakout performances

• Upset Alert returns

• Round predictions and bold takes

No safe takes. No fence sitting. Just rugby league through the lens of media, momentum and what it all means.

Originally recorded during the 2025 NRL season and uploaded as part of the Down the Sideline archive collection.

#NRL #StateOfOrigin #MagicRound #RugbyLeague #DownTheSideline

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State of Origin is almost here… so why does rugby league suddenly feel flat?

In the debut episode of Down the Sideline, David Boldeman and Adrian Manca break down the strangely quiet build-up to the 2026 State of Origin series, the impact of split rounds on the NRL season, and whether the game has lost some of its momentum during its biggest moments.

The boys preview Game I of Origin, debate Nathan Cleary’s pressure heading into the series, discuss the changing rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland, and ask whether the “mate vs mate” hatred that once defined Origin still exists.

Also in this episode:

• Andrew Abdo’s shock move to Tennis Australia
• What happens next for the NRL CEO role?
• Vegas teams announced for 2027
• Is the Vegas concept actually helping the game?
• Ricky Stuart vs the referees
• Dolphins resurgence and finals chances
• South Sydney’s struggles without Latrell Mitchell
• Warriors vs Panthers discussion
• Upset Alert
• Full NRL Round Tips

Down the Sideline looks at rugby league through the lens of media, money, momentum and what the biggest stories actually mean for the game.

Live every Monday @ 8:30PM AEST on YouTube.

Audio episodes available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.