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Billy Slater has sent a message to anyone who believes the Kangaroos fullback jersey belongs in the hands of Jarryd Hayne.
While Hayne’s NSW might have finally wrested the State of Origin title from Queensland, Slater showed he wouldn’t be giving up the Australian No.1 role without a fight.
The Melbourne custodian was the star of their 46-20 romp over Parramatta at AAMI Park, scoring two tries and setting up two others.
He touched down for his 165th career try to go past former Canterbury great Terry Lamb and equal Cronulla’s Andrew Ettingshausen at third on the all-time list behind the legendary Ken Irvine (212) and Manly’s Steve Menzies (180).
Hayne, in contrast, had a forgettable game as he also backed up from Wednesday’s Origin II.
Slater’s Storm teammate Ben Hampton, who also impressed at five-eighth, said the fullback was a cut above.
“To back up like he did was just unbelievable,” Hampton said.
“That’s why he’s the best in the business.”
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said he couldn’t ask for any more from his Origin players, Slater, skipper Cameron Smith and back-rower Ryan Hoffman.
Bellamy said Slater had been consistent all season.
“I thought he was exceptional before Origin … his effort and work rate was outstanding,” Bellamy said.
“He played really well today for us again.”
Queensland and Storm captain Smith felt there might be some kind of silver lining to the Maroons losing the series with a game still to play.
He said he and Slater were focused entirely on the Storm.
“With those victories, so much emotion goes in – the preparation and the games and the wins take a toll – but now, because we have lost the series already, the focus shifts completely to the Storm and playing well here and doing the best we can,” Smith said.
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