In the final episode of Stories of Origin series five, host Mathew Thompson sits down with the legendary Greg Inglis to discuss his standout 2008 State of Origin campaign. Known for his power and intimidation, "GI" recalls how he overcame a difficult start to the series to secure a glorious victory in Queensland’s golden era of dominance.

Despite his on-field success, Greg reflects on the personal challenges he faced with his mental health. Now, as a fit and healthy family man, he uses his powerful profile to support indigenous people who are experiencing the same issues. His commitment to the Goanna Academy is making a significant impact, a legacy that extends well beyond his on-field achievements, especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.

This episode concludes series five of Stories of Origin, winner of the Best Sports Podcast at the annual Australian Audio Awards.

Host: Mathew Thompson
Executive Producer: Matty White

Thanks to TAB for supporting Stories of Origin Season 5.

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Five days after Queensland’s heartbreaking Origin series defeat, Billy Slater opens up on the disappointment of Game Three, the pride he has in his players and the major decision awaiting him over his coaching future.

Billy explains why he is in no rush to decide whether he will lead the Maroons in 2027 and reveals what the Queensland team still means to him after five seasons in charge.

Billy and Peter Psaltis also break down the incredibly tight race to the NRL finals, why the Broncos face an almost impossible task, the pressure building on Newcastle, why the Dolphins can recover from their 66–0 defeat and the latest turmoil surrounding Jarome Luai and the Wests Tigers.

Plus, Billy previews a massive Round 20, including Panthers v Broncos, Roosters v Storm and the Queensland derby between the Dolphins and Cowboys.

00:00 Broncos’ finals hopes are all but over
00:22 Welcome and life after Origin
01:17 Billy reflects on Queensland’s series defeat
03:59 Max Plath proves he belongs in Origin
05:11 Sam Walker comes of age
06:34 Jojo Fifita’s confidence grows
07:37 The small moments that decide Origin
09:28 Billy addresses his Queensland coaching future
11:03 Why Queensland means more than wins and losses
13:18 The NRL run to the finals begins
15:40 Breaking down the top of the ladder
16:36 The incredibly tight race for the eight
17:05 Why the Broncos’ task looks impossible
19:38 The teams fighting for a finals position
20:17 Pressure builds on the Newcastle Knights
22:50 Can the Dolphins recover from 66–0?
24:56 Raiders keep their season alive
26:32 South Sydney celebrate Jai Arrow’s birthday
28:08 Tallis Duncan emerges as a genuine centre
29:02 Wayne Bennett’s backline gamble pays off
30:50 Rugby league rallies around Jai Arrow
33:02 Storm survive a Titans scare
35:26 Cooper Clarke’s enormous potential
37:04 Sharks make a premiership statement
39:43 Jarome Luai and the Tigers’ growing turmoil
43:50 Panthers v Broncos preview
45:07 Daniel Tupou reaches 300 games
46:47 The Roosters’ dangerous right-edge combination
47:57 Roosters v Storm preview
49:10 Dolphins v Cowboys preview
50:41 Billy returns to normal life
51:07 An update on Cheryl the deer

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With just six rounds remaining before the finals, Billy Slater breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league.

Can the injury-hit Storm still pull off a miracle? Why Cronulla have become the competition's hottest team, and why Penrith remain the safest premiership pick despite not being the form side.

Billy also gives his thoughts on the West Tigers' Adam Doueihi saga, the Bulldogs rediscovering their defensive identity, and the extraordinary recruitment advantage being handed to the new PNG Chiefs after landing Zach Lomax and chasing more elite talent.

00:19 Intro
00:44 Are the Broncos and Storm finished?
05:55 Can the Raiders make the finals?
08:13 PNG Chiefs land Zach Lomax
14:44 Why the Sharks are the NRL's form team
20:21 What's gone wrong at Manly?
22:54 Cowboys end Brisbane's season
25:57 Billy reveals what went wrong at the Broncos
30:12 Penrith's championship mindset
34:38 Why Penrith are still the team to beat
36:39 Bulldogs rediscover their defensive identity
39:26 Billy on the Adam Doueihi and Tigers drama
45:24 Billy backs Benji Marshall
47:14 Round 22 preview
49:09 Storm's next generation gets its chance
51:37 Billy's first game at fullback

New episodes of the Billy Slater Podcast every Monday.

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