Slater mulling over future

BILLY Slater has admitted the NRL grand final could be his farewell game, with the Melbourne Storm champion still undecided about his playing future.

Slater will head into Sunday’s premiership decider against the Cowboys at ANZ Stadium without a contract for next year.

The 34-year-old has fought back from the brink of injury-forced retirement to stand on the cusp of a fairytale title.

Slater’s career was at a crossroads last year after his third shoulder operation in two years.

He regained the Maroons fullback duties this year after being snubbed in Game One and showed he still has blistering pace with a two-try performance to sink the Broncos in last Friday’s preliminary final at AAMI Park.

The grand final will be Slater’s 299th NRL game but he admitted he was still mulling over prolonging his career.

“I honestly don’t know,” Slater (pictured) said.

“Next year will be next year. I’m just focusing on this year.

“I’m really enjoying what I’ve got. Sometimes in this game you can start looking ahead too far.

“The decision will be made when it’s made. I’m just focusing on this week.”

With halfback Cooper Cronk to depart Melbourne, losing Slater would be a double blow to the Storm juggernaut.