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Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater has been ruled out of the trans-Tasman Test match this weekend, and has been replaced in the line-up by Roosters centre Michael Jennings.
Slater has been in doubt since the team was announced on Sunday, battling a shoulder injury. He has been ruled out after a failing a fitness test.
Jennings comes into the line-up to replace Slater, which will likely push South Sydney fullback Greg Inglis back to the custodian role, with Jennings to join debutant Will Chambers in the centres.
The 31-year-old veteran of 25 Tests was put through his paces today by Australian medical staff, but wasn’t deemed fit enough to take his place on the weekend.
Slater looked comfortable under countless high balls and trained impressively with the rest of the squad in Brisbane today before making what seemed a surprise call on his fitness.
There was speculation Josh Dugan may move from the wing to fullback but Slater says Greg Inglis will wear the No.1 jersey.
“It’s not quite right yet,” said Slater, who has missed Melbourne’s last three NRL games due to the complaint.
“It will be a lot more physical on Friday night than out there today.
“I wasn’t going to be selfish with my decision.
“You can’t be carried through a game like this.”
The call was made even tougher considering Slater missed the 2014 Four Nations campaign due to surgery on his other shoulder.
“It’s tough especially after missing last year to get my body right and give myself a chance to play these games,” he said.
“Now it’s the other shoulder.
“It’s disappointing but I am comfortable with my decision.”
That ensures Michael Jennings slots into the centre vacancy.
“Greg will slip straight into the fullback role and Michael Jennings has been playing some good footy and played Four Nations last year,” Slater said.
“In terms of preparation we won’t lose anything.”
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