Big Red Forcing Billy's Hand

Corey Horsburgh is playing as well as any front-rower in the league and is forcing Billy Slater's hand to pick him for Origin I. The red-haired firebrand was considered too hot-headed to play big time footy in the past and has played just one Origin to date despite his undoubted ability. But Ricky Stuart has worked hard on Big Red's discipline - after the pair had a much publicised falling out - and both are on the same page now. Horsburgh was outstanding as the Raiders came back from a 28-10 half time deficit to stun the Dolphins 40-28 on Sunday and his form is a big reason why the Green Machine is top four material.

Reece Walsh cops crushing new blow as Raiders favourite sends emphatic message to Billy Slater

Reece Walsh's grip on his State of Origin jersey appears to be slipping after an underwhelming display in Saturday night's shock thumping by Canberra. And Raiders fan favourite Corey Horsburgh has sent another emphatic message to Maroons coach Billy Slater as his push for a recall to the Queensland side gathers steam. Walsh squandered a glorious chance to respond to rival fullback Kalyn Ponga's masterclass for Newcastle on Thursday night, that has seen calls grow for the Knights skipper to be picked in the Maroons No.1 jersey ahead of the Brisbane star. The Broncos fullback had a night to forget in the nation's capital as Ricky Stuart's Raiders gave the visitors a stark reality check. Many experts named Brisbane among the favourites to win the premiership this year after their crushing win over the Roosters in round one. But Michael Maguire's men were sent crashing back to earth by an impressive Raiders side that made it two wins from two to start the new season.Walsh was well below his best for the majority of the game after coughing up four errors, missing four tackles, and running for just 96 metres. The Broncos fullback is close to unplayable when he's on song but has a tendency to have these sorts of games every now and then and it will surely be a concern for Maroons coach Slater when it comes to picking a Queensland team to try and win back the Origin shield this year. The Brisbane No.1 failed to inject himself into the game during a very quiet first half as Canberra's pack out-muscled and out-enthused the star-studded Broncos middle forwards, led by Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan. And when Walsh did try to get more involved in the second forty, with his side trailing 16-10 at the break, the Broncos fullback was once again guilty of trying to do too much as errors and ill-discipline came back to bite Brisbane. Walsh inexplicably dropped one ball close to the tryline after breaking through Canberra's defence, before throwing a cut-out pass into touch in another poorly executed play. He also put winger Jesse Arthars - whose hat-trick gave Brisbane hope - under unnecessary pressure after taking a kick return and throwing a questionable pass to his teammate, who was subsequently bundled into touch.

Slater floats Tigers 'swap' after $6m Luai signing

NRL legend Billy Slater believes there could be a "swap" between new-look Wests Tigers halves pairing Jarome Luai and Lachlan Galvin this season. In the biggest move of the off-season, Luai moved to Concord on a multi-year deal, with the club investing plenty of money in Penrith's four-time premiership winner - said to be $6m over the length of the deal. The 28-year-old starred alongside Nathan Cleary during his time at the Panthers, but will have a whole new challenge ahead of him with the wooden spooners. Luai will wear the No.7 jumper and link up with young gun Galvin, who was a rare shining light for the joint venture in 2024, to form a quality halves combination. But according to Slater, there could be more than meets the eye between them. "It wouldn't surprise me if they actually swap positions and Galvin actually played that halfback role," he said on Nine's Billy Slater Podcast. "He's a real on-baller, he likes to be involved, while Luai has probably played his best football just sitting off a little bit, like when he plays with Nathan Cleary. "They mightn't swap the numbers, but they might swap roles of who is more dominant." Slater also argued the Tigers had "nearly the best spine in the comp" but stopped short of echoing Shane Richardson's comments last year that it held top billing. As for their hopes of featuring in September for the first time in 15 years, Slater believes the Tigers can make it happen in Benji Marshall's second full season at the helm. "I absolutely think they can," he said. "It's up to them and obviously everyone has got the optimistic view of playing finals at this time of year ... I think they really can play finals." Marshall's men will kick off their campaign against the Knights on March 8.

Billy's big call on 'brave' Storm after heartbreak

Billy Slater has declared Sunday night's decider would've been a bloodbath had the Panthers come up against anyone but the Storm. Having trailed in the first half, Penrith grinded out a 14-6 win to claim a fourth-straight premiership. The Storm legend was full of praise for skipper Harry Grant and the rest of his old club, and said anyone else would've been pumped by 40. "Harry was great, 59 tackles in the middle and he was carrying a niggling calf injury into the game as well. It was a real captain's knock," he said on Nine's Today on Monday morning. "I thought the Melbourne Storm were brave. Any other team would have been beaten by 30 or 40, but they hung in there. "They just weren't quite good enough to beat the Panthers." James Fisher-Harris, Sunia Turuva and Jarome Luai have all now joined the list of champion Panthers to leave the club for NRL rivals. But Slater believes a fifth-straight premiership "absolutely" isn't out of the question. "While Nathan and Ivan (Cleary) are still there leading this team, they've just had this ability to rejuvenate positions after losing star players," he said. "Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Api Koroisau, all these players have left over the last four years and they've been able to fill those spots with youth and developed players. "Five is not out of the question." Like they did against the Broncos last year, the Panthers were forced to come from behind against the Storm. After a gripping opening period, it was the Storm who broke the deadlock through Harry Grant in the 22nd minute. Turuva hit back for the Panthers less than five minutes later, before the Panthers hit the lead through Liam Martin to lead 10-6 at half time. Slater said once in front, the Panthers showed why they're a "champion team". "They've got this one champion player in Nathan Cleary, but they are a champion team across the board," he said. "They all just lift and they apply pressure to their opposition like no one else. Once they got in front they were happy just to apply the pressure." A former trackwork jockey, Slater owns and runs his own thoroughbred stud. He will now join Nine's coverage of the Lexus Melbourne Cup carnival.

Billy Slater lashes out over Reece Walsh detail as Darren Lockyer highlights $5m Broncos problem

Billy Slater has hit out over the level of scrutiny and criticism that Reece Walsh receives, while Darren Lockyer has highlighted the issue created by his new $5 million contract. Walsh has reportedly agreed to a new four-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos, which will net him a cool $5 million. It means the Broncos have Walsh, Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Ezra Mam all locked up on long-term deals. But Walsh and Haas will both be earning over $1 million per season from next year, while Carrigan and Mam aren't far off that mark. It means there's very little money left for teammates, and one of Selwyn Cobbo or Kotoni Staggs appear likely to have to leave the club. It also means the Broncos won't be in the market for a big-name halfback to replace Adam Reynolds, who is set to hang up the boots in the next 12 months. Sam Walker and Braydon Trindall are both set to hit the open market on November 1, and even though Walker hails from Queensland, the Broncos won't be able to make a play for him. Walker appears destined to remain at the Roosters, and the Broncos will likely have to develop a young halfback instead. "Reece, done, Ezra (extended), and Adam's (Reynolds) got another year, so there becomes a bit of focus on who will be the 7 after Adam and who will be the 9 after Billy (Walters)," Lockyer said on the QLDer podcast on Wednesday. "And I think given the enormity of Reece's deal and Ezra and Payne, you know, it's not ... you're limited to how much money you've got out there for your 7 and 9 now. "We'll just have to see who's out there and who we can develop. A young 7 coming through who's not going to demand the big money straight away is probably where it's heading but as we know, the No.7 is so important and we've got to keep one eye on who's earmarked to go there beyond Adam Reynolds and who's there (at hooker) to go beyond Billy Walters." Lockyer also predicted the Broncos would be priced out of the market for Trindall considering how well he's been playing. "He's finished the year strong," Lockyer said. "I'd be surprised if the Sharks let him go. But again, I think the Broncs are pretty keen to develop from within, so we'll just see where that lands."

Slater's plea to Rabbitohs after Burgess drama

Billy Slater has high hopes for the South Sydney Rabbitohs this season if they can reset after their calamitous end to last year. With the Bunnies now preparing for their season-opening clash with the Sea Eagles in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon, Slater is still bewildered at how things derailed when Sam Burgess exited the club last October. Burgess sensationally departed as assistant coach of the Rabbitohs ahead of the side's season-defining match against the Roosters, before the Redfern club missed finals. Burgess supposedly parted ways with the club to focus on the birth of his child and his new obligations as the head coach of Warrington in the Super League. However, reports also claimed Burgess and fellow assistant John Morris had raised concerns to coach Jason Demetriou about perceived double standards in the treatment of star players Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell. The Rabbitohs were defeated 26-12 by the Roosters to seal their spot outside the league's top-eight, having led the competition two months earlier. "As long as they put the wheels back on that fell off at the end of last year they'll be OK," Slater told Nine's The Billy Slater Podcast. "If you look at their best 17, they're a fantastic side — they're a side to push for the premiership. "But [last year] showed you that you've got to have your on-field, your off-field, everyone glued into what you're about and pulling in the same direction. "It showed that if you don't have that, the wheels can fall off." In a tell-all interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Walker explained that he still does not know what to believe surrounding Burgess' departure. "I'm still unsure what that actually meant," Walker said referring to Burgess' private accusations of preferential treatment levelled against him. "I personally spoke to JD (coach Jason Demetriou) about it straight away. I said, 'Does this happen? Do you feel like that?' I said, 'I wouldn't want to be at a club if that ever happens'." It was implied that Walker had it his way during training sessions and routinely left if he so much as wished to. "There are times on the training park where I do get the shits," Walker said.

Slater drops Crichton truth bomb on Bulldogs

Legendary fullback Billy Slater has urged the Bulldogs to reconsider switching star centre Stephen Crichton to fullback when he joins the club this off-season.Having won two premierships as a centre for the Panthers, Slater said Crichton would be a huge asset to the club in that role, giving the Bulldogs' brains trust a big decision to make as the squad comes together for the pre-season."I don't know if I'd move him to fullback when he goes to the Bulldogs. I think he's a quality centre," he told Nine's The Billy Slater Podcast."He's obviously getting some good ball in the Panthers' team as well."Slater heaped praise on the 22-year-old and his efforts in the centres for both the Panthers and the NSW Blues this year."I think Stephen Crichton is doing a great job in the centres, not just with his attack but he's making some really good decisions defensively," he said."He moves really well, he's very athletic."The Bulldogs have recruited heavily under first-year coach Cameron Ciraldo as the club attempts to rebuild following a period in the doldrums.Crichton signed a lucrative four-year deal with the Bulldogs in January following a drawn-out negotiation process with the Panthers.He headlines a crop of key signings heading to Belmore including Rabbitohs fullback Blake Taaffe and Panthers utility Jaeman Salmon.Former Cronulla prodigy Bronson Xerri will also return from a four-year doping ban with the Bulldogs next year.If Crichton were to form a partnership with Xerri in the centres, Taaffe could be an option to grab the fullback jersey.After a difficult first year under Ciraldo, the Bulldogs will go into 2024 with higher expectations, due to a roster that includes representative stars Matt Burton in the halves, Reed Mahoney at hooker, Josh Addo-Carr on a wing and a forward pack led by Viliame Kikau.

'A lot more to it': Slater denies Maroons deal is done

League icon Billy Slater has confirmed his management is in discussions with the Queensland Maroons over a head coaching contract extension, but said reports that it was a done deal were premature.After starring as a player in the Maroons' eight-straight series victories between 2006 and 2013, Slater took on the top job in 2022 and has since coached Queensland to two-straight series wins.The 40-year-old had previously refused to comment on his future as Queensland coach after his side was stopped short of a series clean sweep last month.QRL boss Ben Ikin told News Corp that they've "established that Billy wants to keep coaching the Maroons"."Now we'll work through the specifics of how that looks, both for Billy and the QRL," he said.However, when asked on Nine's The Billy Slater Podcast if talks of the contract extension being confirmed were premature, he agreed."Yeah I think so, Ben Ikin came out and said that I'd like to coach on and I don't think I've ever said that I wouldn't like to help the Queensland rugby league team," he said."I've just got to make sure that it works. Selfishly, I'd love to coach on, that's the easy answer, but I'm a husband, I'm a father, I run a small stud farm, we do that ourselves as a family."I've got to make sure that everything works and I can commit that time to the Queensland rugby league team."Slater went on to confirm his manager George Mimis has spoken with the QRL."My management has started discussions with the QRL and hopefully they progress further and then I'll sit down with my family and work out how it all works because like I said, there's a lot more to it than me selfishly wanting to be coach of the Queensland rugby league team," he said.

Broncos freak Walsh likened to NRL legend

Reece Walsh was breath-taking on his long-awaited Broncos debut last Friday night, meshing together glimpses of brilliance he'd shown at the Warriors and producing an 80-minute performance that had greats of the game in awe.Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has joined the chorus of praise, likening the electric fullback to Storm great Billy Slater."Billy was always on the attack, just always looking to attack every time the play-the-ball was there," Lockyer said on Wide World of Sports' QLDER."When Billy played at wing he still wanted to get in there and he'd always be in your ear."I know a bloke called Chris Walker wanted to do the same thing: chip or grubber here or inside here."I didn't listen so much or pick this up when (Walsh) was playing for the Broncos because he's only played for them once. I saw this when he was playing for the Warriors. He's constantly looking at the opposition defensive line."That's what Wally (Lewis) was so great at and that's what I learned watching Wally."Walsh didn't play in round one because of a facial fracture he suffered during the pre-season challenge.When the 20-year-old eventually got his chance in Broncos colours, a debut six years in the making, he was zipping around like a farm dog chasing rabbits.He returned the ball at a breakneck speed, lurked relentlessly around the ruck and ran himself ragged in defence in a 28-16 win over the Cowboys.He also set up a Kotoni Staggs try with a stellar grubber, before putting the result beyond doubt after a Herbie Farnworth linebreak, springing up on his teammate's inside and racing away to score under the posts."It was stunning," Fox League's Greg Alexander said of Walsh's Broncos debut."They are in for a big season, the Broncos, and what a purchase this is going to be."After spending five years on a Broncos development contract before being sensationally poached by the Warriors, Walsh was back in the Brisbane strip and relishing every moment."(Walsh is) just forever looking for an opportunity, and if he's doing that and he's minimising his mistakes in the game, he's going to be very dangerous," Lockyer said.

Slater's answer if Storm ask him to replace Bellamy

Melbourne legend Billy Slater has all but ruled himself out of taking the Storm coaching reins from Craig Bellamy - at least for now.Bellamy, 63, last year signed a new five-year contract with the Victorian club, but the deal doesn't stipulate he has to act as head coach for the entirety.In fact, the club is allowing the veteran supercoach to commit to the job on a season-by-season basis, and once he decides to step down from coaching he can assume a different role for the Storm.Bellamy is coaching the NRL team this year but there's no guarantee beyond 2023, meaning Melbourne may need a new head coach as early as next season.Slater - who played all of his 319 NRL games in the purple strip - would be an ideal candidate to step into those shoes.He entered the head coaching world last year for Queensland, and steered the Maroons to a famous State of Origin series victory on debut.He also continues to work part-time with the Storm under Bellamy, in conjunction with his duties for Nine."I'd love for him to come be our head coach, but I don't know if it really appeals to him," Storm forward Christian Welch told 100% Footy of Slater last week."I really enjoy my life at the moment. Like Christian said, I've got a good balance to it," Slater said.

Billy Slaters warning to new-look Storms doubters

Billy Slater has warned those writing off the Melbourne Storm to proceed with caution despite an off-season of upheaval.It's set to be somewhat of a new-look Storm side in 2022 after the exits of star trio Nicho Hynes, Josh Addo-Carr and Dale Finucane.However, despite the roster turnover, Slater says his old club will still be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season."It's obvious that the Melbourne Storm have lost a few players over the summer in Nicho Hynes, Finucane, Josh Addo-Carr and the like, but they've still got some quality personnel in there," Slater told Nine's Today.

Huge comeback that saw Slater make history

Billy Slater was the 2009 Clive Churchill Medallist in Melbourne's 23-16 win over Parramatta, but the man himself thought otherwise.'I feel like I don't deserve to wear it … Cooper Cronk deserved it," Slater said after the match.But the decision was defended by Bob McCarthy, who along with fellow Australian selectors Bob Fulton, Les Geeves and Des Morris, selected Slater."I know he said Cooper should have won it, but I think he was just trying to look after his mates," McCarthy told the Sydney Morning Herald.''We have four judges and I think they're pretty good judges of a game of football. We were unanimous on it. You can't please everyone. People can all have their opinions and there's nothing wrong with that. That was our opinion - Billy had an exceptional game."

Billy Slater says the Broncos should chase Matt Dufty

Dragons fans bombarded social media with pleas to retain Dufty in the wake of his stunning performance at Kogarah. The diminutive fullback has been the club's best and most dangerous player all season - but his defensive problems have resulted in the Dragons making the tough call to not retain him.