Bellamy hopeful of retaining Slater
MELBOURNE Storm coach Craig Bellamy wants Billy Slater to play on next year – and the premiership mastermind thinks it will happen.
But Bellamy is under no illusions, Slater’s decision is just as much about family as it is football.
The Storm is comfortable playing the waiting game as Slater (pictured), 34, has earned the right to decide what is best for him and his family.
“Being really honest, I think he’ll play on and I don’t know whether that’s gut feel or that’s just a hope,” Bellamy said ahead of tonight’s top-of-the-table clash with the Roosters.
“I’d really like to see him play on, he’s been a great player and he’s still a great player.
“He’s the sort of player that brings people along to watch our game and turn the TV on to watch our game, so people like that we want to keep in our game.”
Slater this week said a decision had to be made “soon”, but the 292-game veteran appears in no hurry to commit.
“There’s certainly no pressure from the club, at the end of the day he’s deserved the right to take as long as he likes and make the decision that suits him and the family,” Bellamy said.
Bellamy also confirmed the club’s interest in New Zealand Warrior and Storm premiership star Ryan Hoffman.
The Warriors told Hoffman, 33, early in the year he would not be re-signed.