Slater leaps straight into coaching role
BILLY Slater will move into a part- time coaching role at Melbourne Storm when preseason begins next month.
Slater, 35, who retired at the end of the season, will help new assistant coach Marc Brentnall co- ordinate the team attack as well as mentor the club’s emerging fullbacks and wingers.
New Zealand debutant and former Townsville Blackhawks star Jahrome Hughes looks set to step into Slater’s boots next season, but Storm football director Frank Ponissi expects Scott Drinkwater and Ryan Papenhuyzen to put in bids for the coveted No. 1 jersey.
“Going into the new season you’d say Hughes would be the favourite,” Ponissi said. “But the fact that he’s missing for a fair chunk of the preseason ( Kiwis commitments) gives Drinkwater and Papenhuyzen a bit of an opening.
“Especially Drinkwater after a really good season, but if Hughes locks in the No. 1 spot for New Zealand then that gives him a bit of kudos … it’s open.
“If you had to pick a team next week you’d go Hughes at this stage but you wouldn’t rule out anyone.”
The Storm rotated halfbacks last season, trying to settle on Cronk’s replacement, and coach Craig Bellamy could be faced with an equally daunting task cementing the fullback role.
Drinkwater will get every chance after a great season in reserve grade. The speedster, who boasts electric skills and try- scoring abilities, starred on debut in Slater’s absence for the last home- and- away game.
The club yesterday announced five re- signings – Drinkwater, Justin Olam, Kayleb Milne, Hughes and Nelson Asofa- Solomona.