Ageless Slater must play on, says Cronk
MELBOURNE bosses believe Billy Slater will ink a 12month extension in the next fortnight as Cooper Cronk yesterday urged the champion fullback to continue his glittering Storm career.
Slater, 34, is expected to reclaim his Australian jumper today for the World Cup, emphatically icing his superb display to clinch the Clive Churchill Medal in Melbourne’s grand final victory on Sunday night.
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 two shoulder operations.
Storm football-operations chief Frank Ponissi has given the strongest indication yet Slater will not retire, claiming the Maroons ace will be back with Cameron Smith next year.
“Billy will play on,” Ponissi said. “I don’t believe he will walk away.”
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 entering camp for their six-week World Cup campaign.
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, but the champion halfback implored Slater to push on.
“Billy just got named the best player in a grand final,” Cronk said. “He can and should go on, in my eyes.
“Billy is more than a football player 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 the past three months. He said the code’s greatest fullback has given him no formal indication he intends to retire.
“We want him to go on,” he said. “We have had really positive discussions with Billy’s management.
“He is one of the best players in the world and it would be a shame if he walked away now.”
Slater is leaning towards signing one final contract.
“I’m feeling quite good, but I’m 34, I’ve played 15 years in the NRL,” Slater said.
“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.”
HE IS ONE OF THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD AND IT WOULD BE A SHAME IF HE WALKED AWAY NOW