BILLY’S LAST DANCE?
Slater’s future uncertain as he faces seventh NRL decider
INNISFAIL’S Billy Slater enters this weekend’s NRL grand final uncertain as to whether he will continue to play at the highest level in 2018. The Melbourne Storm fullback is uncontracted for next season and said yesterday he won’t contemplate his future in the game until after Sunday evening’s big game against the North Queensland Cowboys.
“I’m really enjoying what I’ve got,” Slater, 34, said. “Sometimes in this game you can start looking ahead too far. The decision will be made when it’s made. I’m just focusing on this week.”
BILLY Slater has admitted the NRL Grand Final could be his farewell game, with the Melbourne Storm champion still undecided about his playing future.
Slater will head into Sunday’s premiership decider against the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium with no contract for next year.
The 34-year-old has fought back from the brink of injuryforced retirement to stand on the cusp of a fairytale title.
Slater’s career was at a crossroads last year when he underwent his third shoulder operation in two years.
He regained the Queensland fullback duties this year after being snubbed in the opening Origin game, and showed he still has blistering pace with a two-try performance to sink the Brisbane Broncos in Friday night’s preliminary final at AAMI Park.
The grand final will be Slater’s 299th NRL game but he admitted he was still mulling over prolonging his career.
“I honestly don’t know. Next year will be next year. I’m just focusing on this year,” he said. “I’m really enjoying what I’ve got. Sometimes in this game you can start looking ahead too far. The decision will be made when it’s made. I’m just focusing on this week.”
With halfback Cooper Cronk to depart Melbourne, losing Slater would be a double blow to the Storm. But the club has not put pressure on Slater to make a call on his future. “I’m very comfortable with whatever happens,” Slater said.
“I feel really good at the moment and I’ll make a decision in due course.
“The club’s been really good and very respectful. I haven’t decided yet.
“People might be surprised. I’m 34 and people lose their speed and agility but I still had my legs (while I was injured). I was able to improve in some areas of my game.”
Slater is expected to win back the Kangaroos No.1 duties at the World Cup next month and Cronk said his teammate deserved every accolade because of his commitment.
“For someone to do hours and hours of preparation coming back from injury (is inspiring),” Cronk said. “He just works really hard.”