‘WE’LL BE BACK’
COWBOYS POSTER INSIDE, SPORT
THE news every rugby league viewer has been yearning for appears to be a step closer for Innisfail’s Billy Slater.
The champion fullback, who won his second Clive Churchill Medal in the NRL grand final win on Sunday, has hinted he’s “more likely than not” to return to the purple jersey after finishing a stellar 2017 with the body intact.
Storm bosses expect the 34-year-old to commit in the next two weeks, meaning Slater will chalk up his 300th NRL game in Round 1 of the 2018 season.
The two-time premiership winner is expected to have more to smile about today as a near-certain selection in Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup, starting later this month.
MELBOURNE bosses believe Billy Slater will ink a 12-month extension in the next fortnight as Cooper Cronk yesterday urged the champion fullback to continue his glittering Storm career.
Slater is expected to reclaim his Australian jumper today for the World Cup, icing his superb display to clinch the Clive Churchill Medal in Melbourne’s grand-final victory on Sunday.
The 34-year-old has consistently refused to confirm he will play on next season, with Slater admitting his battle is now physical after the turbulent road back from shoulder operations. But Storm footballoperations chief Frank Ponissi has given the strongest indication yet that Slater will not retire, claiming the Maroons ace will join forces with Cameron Smith next season.
“Billy will play on,” Ponissi told News Corp. “I don’t believe he will walk away. I’m confident of that.”
The Storm have tabled a one-year deal for Slater, who says he will make a final call in the next two weeks, prior to the Kangaroos World Cup camp.
Significantly, Slater played his 299th top-grade match in the NRL decider against the Cowboys and has a dream to join Smith and Cronk in Melbourne’s 300-game club.
One pillar of the Storm’s Big Three has crumbled with Cronk having played his final game for the club in the 34-6 premiership win.
“Billy just got named the best player in a grand final,” Cronk said. “He can and should go on in my eyes. He is a great friend, so whatever he does I’ll support him.”
Storm chief-executive Dave Donaghy has been in negotiations with Slater’s management for three months.
Slater is leaning towards signing one final contract, but is mindful of the repercussions for Melbourne’s salary-cap position.
“It will be a physical decision,” he said. “This victory won’t be a factor.
“I’m feeling quite good, but I’m 34, I’ve played 15 years in the NRL. I have to make sure I’m doing the right thing. I don’t want to make the decision lightly and then leave the club in a position where they need to pick someone up late and there’s no-one left.”