Great flies flag for NQ – and his mates
FRIENDSHIPS forged in battle are often the strongest and Northern Pride coach Ty Williams says retiring legend Billy Slater revealed his true character to him on a balmy North Queensland night in March 2006.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi which devastated Williams and Slater’s hometown of Innisfail, the Cowboys walloped the Melbourne Storm 40-8 to bring a little joy to struggling North Queenslanders.
But the evening was marred by a badly broken leg to former Cowboys winger Williams which would later require pins to be inserted into his fractured tibia and fibula, ruling him out of State of Origin that season.
In a bizarre twist, it was Williams’ close mate, Slater, who had inadvertently caused the injury in a tackle from behind.
“He knew straight away what happened and so did I,” Williams said yesterday.
“It’s not good to see your foot facing the other way. I think we were both shocked.
“He got in touch to see how I was travelling after though. It’s part and parcel of footy.
“We always used to catch up for a beer after games in Melbourne. They were good times.”
Slater, Williams said, represented the values of the region.
“He was a late bloomer. I just think he typifies Far North Queensland,” he said.
“Billy worked his backside off and when he got to where he wanted to be he kept on working.
“He took his chance and I think he transformed the way the game is played.”
Now in his 16th season, Williams said he hopes Slater can back up his 2017 heroics and claim another premiership and Clive Churchill Medal to cap off his storybook career.
“I’ll give him some space this week,” he said. “As he approaches finals I’ll flick him a text and wish him well.
“Hopefully, Melbourne go all the way. Billy’s a pretty determined bugger so I know he’ll leave no stone unturned.”