Slater’s future up in the air

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 when he underwent 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 admitted.

“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 that has been so dominant for a decade.

The Storm have not pres- sured Slater into making a decision on his future and the custodian said he was comfortable carrying the uncertainty into the decider.

“I’m very comfortable with whatever happens,” he said.

“I feel really good at the moment and I’ll make a decision in due course.

“The club’s been really good and very respectful. I haven’t decided yet.

“People might be surprised. I’m 34 and people lose their speed and agility but I still had my legs (while I was injured). I was able to improve in some areas of my game.”

PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED. I’M 34 AND PEOPLE LOSE THEIR SPEED AND AGILITY BUT I STILL HAD MY LEGS ... BILLY SLATER

Slater is expected to win back the Kangaroos No.1 duties at the upcoming World Cup and Cronk said he deserved every accolade because of his commitment.

“There are a lot of storylines to all grand finals and Billy has been a part of a lot of grand finals, but for someone to do hours and hours of preparation coming back from injury (is inspiring),” Cronk said.

“He just works really hard because he wants to be the best he possibly can.

“Whether it is football or life, those who are willing to work hard and work harder than someone next to you, usually good things happen (to).”