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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The countdown to the State of Origin decider is on, and Billy Slater takes us inside Queensland camp.

Billy explains why the Maroons head to Rockhampton before every decider, the thinking behind recalling Jeremiah Nanai, what Pat Carrigan's return means for Queensland, and the disappointment of losing Lindsay Collins.

He also discusses Selwyn Cobbo's confidence, Sam Walker's emergence, how the Maroons are handling the pressure of a sold out Suncorp Stadium, and why connection, culture and legacy remain at the heart of Queensland's preparation.

00:00 Inside Maroons Camp
(00:44) The Road to the Origin Decider
(01:25) Why Queensland Heads to Rockhampton
(03:13) Lessons From Game II
(04:07) Why Jeremiah Nanai Is Back
(05:55) Building the Maroons Culture
(06:59) Pat Carrigan Returns
(07:53) Lindsay Collins Ruled Out
(08:54) Selwyn Cobbo's Confidence
(09:49) Preparing for NSW's Changes
(10:53) Handling the Pressure of Suncorp
(11:48) Sam Walker's Development
(12:46) Building Queensland's Combinations
(13:48) How the Spine Works Together
(16:39) Playing for the Maroons Legacy
(17:31) Billy's Final Message Before Game III

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Billy Slater opens up on the behind-the-scenes planning that helped Queensland handle Cameron Munster’s HIA scare in Origin Game Two.

Billy reveals he met with Johnathan Thurston on game day to run through contingencies, including the left-field plan to use Max Plath in the halves if Munster went down.

(00:00) Welcome to the Billy Slater Podcast
(01:04) The NRL finals race is starting to tighten
(01:55) Broncos and Raiders running out of time
(03:46) Billy reflects on Queensland’s Origin Game Two win
(05:40) Trent Loiero’s impact off the bench
(07:02) Sam Walker’s goal-kicking preparation at the MCG
(08:09) Billy’s special moment watching Walker, JT and Alfie Langer
(09:44) Selwyn Cobbo’s form, happiness and hard work
(11:29) The Max Plath contingency plan after Munster’s HIA
(12:08) Billy reveals his game-day meeting with Johnathan Thurston
(14:37) Why Billy told Max Plath about the plan before kick-off
(16:09) Queensland’s “whatever it takes” team mentality
(17:43) Queensland heading to Rockhampton before the Origin decider
(19:41) Central Queensland’s Origin connections
(20:19) Melbourne Storm’s resurgence continues
(22:21) Titans stun Penrith as Zane Harrison stands up
(24:35) Dolphins show their depth in big win over Tigers
(26:47) Should New Zealand have a second NRL team?
(28:29) Broncos v Roosters looms as a must-win clash
(29:27) Looking ahead to Origin Three week

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