Slater joins coaching team
Storm ensures retiring fullback stays in touch as part-time mentor
BILLY Slater will move straight into a part-time coaching role at Melbourne Storm when pre-season begins next month.
Slater, 35, who retired at the end of the season, will help new assistant coach Marc Brentnall coordinate the team attack as well as mentor the club’s emerging fullbacks and wingers.
New Zealand debutant Jahrome Hughes looks set to step into Slater’s boots next season, but Storm football director Frank Ponissi expects Scott Drinkwater and Ryan Papenhuyzen to put in bids for the coveted No.1 jersey.
“Going into the new season you’d say Hughes would be the favourite,” Ponissi said.
“But the fact that he’s missing for a fair chunk of the preseason (Kiwis commitments) gives Scott Drinkwater and Ryan Papenhuyzen a bit of an opening.
“Especially Drinkwater after a really good season, but at the same time, if Hughes locks in the No. 1 spot for New Zealand then again that gives him a bit of kudos as well. It’s open.
“If you had to pick a team next week you’d go Jahrome Hughes at this stage but you certainly wouldn’t rule out anyone.”
The Storm rotated halfbacks last season, trying to settle on Cronk’s replacement, and coach Craig Bellamy could be faced with an equally daunting task cementing the fullback role.
Drinkwater will get every chance after an “outstanding” season in reserve grade.
The speedster, who boasts electric skills and try-scoring abilities, starred on debut in Slater’s absence for the last home-and-away game.
“He won that Cooper Cronk Medal in a canter,” Ponissi said. “He was the best and most consistent player that we sent back to either the (Sunshine Coast) Falcons or the (Easts) Tigers. He was unlucky not to win the Q Cup player of the year.
“He played in a beaten team here against Penrith and was one of our best players.”
The club yesterday announced five re-signings, including Drinkwater (2020), Justin Olam (2020), Kayleb Milne (2020), Hughes (2021) and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (2023).