The Billy Slater Podcast

The Newcastle Knights are into their first Grand Final in 25 years after an extraordinary win over Penrith, while the Roosters booked their place with a dominant performance against the Dolphins. Billy discusses Nathan Cleary’s devastating injury, Newcastle’s incredible resilience, Kalyn Ponga’s leadership, the Roosters’ star-studded side and the key match-ups that could decide the premiership. Plus, a preview of the NRLW Grand Final between the Broncos and Roosters and the State Championship clash between Penrith and the Dolphins. Pasted text 00:00 Grand Final week is here02:16 Why live sport is still unbeatable04:36 Knights stun Penrith to reach the Grand Final05:05 Nathan Cleary’s injury and coming off the bench09:34 Phoenix Crossland send-off and the hip-drop tackle11:24 Billy’s theory on why hip-drop tackles happen16:44 How Newcastle replace Phoenix Crossland20:36 Dane Gagai’s huge finals performances23:04 Kalyn Ponga’s leadership and emotion26:03 Fletcher Sharpe could be a Grand Final game-breaker28:47 Sandon Smith’s brave quick-tap try30:36 Roosters v Dolphins breakdown31:07 Why the Roosters are firing at the right time33:25 Mark Nawaqanitawase’s incredible preliminary final35:40 Robert Toia’s rise and defensive impact36:44 Daly Cherry-Evans and the Roosters’ recruitment42:07 Why developing juniors matters44:35 State Championship: Penrith v Dolphins45:25 Dolphins’ season and where they improve47:59 Grand Final preview: Roosters v Knights49:56 Justin Holbrook v Trent Robinson54:02 Sam Walker’s return55:40 Clive Churchill Medal contenders58:03 NRLW Grand Final: Broncos v Roosters59:44 Final Billy Slater Podcast of 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis break down a huge weekend of NRL finals as Newcastle and the Roosters book their places in the final four. Billy gives his verdict on the controversial late no-call in the Knights-Warriors clash, the remarkable rise of Newcastle under Justin Holbrook and the Roosters hitting form at exactly the right time. Plus, Billy previews both preliminary finals, Dolphins v Roosters and Panthers v Knights, discusses Nathan Cleary’s injury and reveals who he thinks will reach the 2026 NRL Grand Final. 00:00 - The NRL Final Four04:01 - Newcastle’s incredible turnaround07:32 - Phoenix Crossland’s huge finals moments09:02 - Billy’s verdict on the controversial Warriors no-call13:16 - Where it went wrong for the Warriors19:44 - Sandon Smith and Newcastle’s halves22:17 - Dylan Lucas’ remarkable injury comeback27:02 - Roosters eliminate the Sharks30:36 - How the Roosters rebuilt into contenders33:35 - Daly Cherry-Evans steps up35:10 - James Tedesco finding his best form37:04 - The Roosters’ set-play secrets40:27 - What next for Cronulla?42:45 - PREVIEW: Dolphins v Roosters46:44 - Victor Radley v Morgan Knowles49:14 - Billy’s Dolphins v Roosters thoughts50:53 - PREVIEW: Panthers v Knights54:09 - Nathan Cleary’s injured foot56:45 - How Newcastle can upset Penrith58:29 - Why Fletcher Sharpe could be the key1:00:51 - Penrith’s hunger to return to the Grand Final1:02:42 - Billy’s Panthers v Knights prediction1:04:01 - Preliminary Final weekendSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six teams remain in the race for the NRL premiership. Billy Slater reviews every result from the opening week of the finals, including Newcastle’s fearless performance, the Dolphins’ breakthrough victory and Penrith’s epic battle with the Roosters. Billy also previews this weekend’s elimination finals and explains why something is drawing him towards another Knights upset. 00:00 NRL finals are down to six teams03:22 Newcastle’s fearless finals approach05:33 Dane Gagai’s leadership07:38 Kalyn Ponga hits top form10:31 Justin Holbrook transforms Newcastle11:44 Where South Sydney fell short13:23 Will Cody Walker play on?15:00 What Latrell Mitchell needs this pre-season18:57 Dolphins defeat the Warriors21:46 Breaking down the Dolphins’ spectacular try25:25 Kurt Donoghoe steps up28:33 Kurt Donoghoe’s remarkable journey29:51 Why the Dolphins can reach the grand final32:17 Braydon Trindall’s courageous performance34:06 Can Cronulla lift against the Roosters?36:20 Where the Cowboys go next39:08 Panthers and Roosters deliver a finals classic39:58 Mark Nawaqanitawase’s extraordinary performance42:51 Nathan Cleary’s sin-bin44:54 The Roosters’ costly penalty decision46:35 Nathan Cleary’s foot injury49:00 Roosters v Sharks preview52:56 Billy tips the winner54:18 Warriors v Knights preview56:29 Newcastle’s experienced leaders58:41 Could Jett Cleary be called upon?01:00:40 Billy and Salty make their finals selections01:01:54 Salty tips Newcastle01:02:22 Billy predicts a Knights upsetSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis preview every game from the opening week of the 2026 NRL finals. Billy explains why Penrith remain the competition’s hardest team to beat, why the Roosters cannot be written off, how the Dolphins could silence Auckland and which players could decide the elimination final between the Sharks and Cowboys. The pair also reflect on Jai Arrow’s inspiring courage, Melbourne’s response to a difficult season and Darius Boyd’s appointment as Queensland coach before revealing their tips for all four finals. 00:00 Finals have arrived00:50 Penrith claim the minor premiership02:27 How to beat the Panthers04:05 Penrith’s extraordinary depth05:32 Liam Martin sets the standard06:48 Jai Arrow’s inspiring courage12:40 Are South Sydney vulnerable?13:52 Latrell Mitchell sends a finals warning16:16 Can Rround 27 form be trusted?19:32 Sharks enter the finals without momentum22:29 Melbourne’s season of adversity25:09 Sua Fa’alogo’s breakout season26:44 Why young players need time28:59 Will Tyrell Sloan return to the NRL?30:59 Canberra’s exciting young talent32:19 Cowboys searching for form34:03 Darius Boyd becomes Queensland coach38:32 Rabbitohs v Knights preview41:53 Warriors v Dolphins preview48:10 Sharks v Cowboys preview52:42 Panthers v Roosters preview54:34 Why Victor Radley is crucial57:14 Dylan Edwards v James Tedesco59:30 Billy tips Panthers v Roosters01:01:27 Penrith’s production line01:03:26 Billy and Salty tip every finalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With one round remaining before the NRL Finals, Billy Slater and Peter Psaltis examine the huge decision facing every top-eight coach: rest the stars or build momentum? Billy explains why the call could make or break a premiership campaign and assesses the Panthers, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Warriors and Sharks heading into September. Billy also reflects on the emotional scenes surrounding Jai Arrow and Sam Walker’s devastating injury, Jet Cleary’s impressive debut and the controversial Tigers obstruction decision. Plus, could the NRL eventually adopt the AFL’s wildcard format, and did the experimental kick-off rule offer enough to survive? 00:00 One round until the NRL Finals00:30 The massive decision facing top-eight coaches04:24 There is nowhere to hide in September06:16 The emotional tribute to Jai Arrow10:38 Latrell Mitchell returns for South Sydney14:40 The battle for a home elimination final16:46 Should the NRL introduce wildcard finals?18:47 Sam Walker’s devastating injury21:38 How the Roosters can replace Sam Walker23:59 The impossible decisions facing coaches25:22 Jacob Saifiti’s send-off27:18 Jett Cleary impresses on debut28:32 How the Warriors overcame adversity30:01 Mitch Barnett’s outstanding season32:18 The Sunday afternoon upset curse35:22 The controversial Tigers no-try37:18 Can the Cowboys find their best football?39:37 Verdict on the experimental kick-off rule43:25 Melbourne’s exciting young winger45:26 Sharks face a dangerous Storm side46:42 The biggest games of Round 2747:37 Finals previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.