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Billy Slater to play rep football in 2018

Billy Slater makes a break during the first pool A match of the Rugby League World Cup between Australia and England at AAMI Stadium in Melbourne, Friday, October 27, 2017. (AAP Image/David Crosling)
16th November, 2017
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Billy Slater will likely farewell the game in New Zealand next year after confirming he’s available for representative rugby league in 2018.

Superstar fullback Slater last month re-signed with Melbourne for one more NRL season but it was unclear whether he would continue turning out for Queensland and Australia.

The Kangaroos fullback said he’d been in no doubt since.

“Once I decided I was playing on next year. It wasn’t a decision to play rep footy or not,” Slater said ahead of the Kangaroos’ World Cup quarter-final against Samoa on Friday.

“It was a decision to play or not and I decided to go around another year.

“More than likely that’ll be my last year so I’m looking forward to playing all forms of the game.”

After being rested for Australia’s final pool game against Lebanon last week, Slater will return at fullback for the knock-out final against Samoa in Darwin.

And Meninga admits the 34-year-old the jumper is his to lose right up until he calls time on an illustrious career, including the Kangaroos’ lone Test pencilled in for New Zealand after the NRL season next year.

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“He’s got to be playing well. He’s got to be fit and healthy too,” Meninga said.

“It’s a long way away but the way he’s playing at the moment, the way he looks after himself, I can’t see any reason why he can’t be No.1 at the end of next year as well.”

Meninga said Slater would be remembered alongside Clive Churchill and Graeme Langlands.

“He’s certainly in my mind way up there with those guys. But it’s different eras. I think he’ll be remembered as one of the greatest fullbacks that played the game,” he said.

Slater said he is more appreciative of his Kangaroos appearances than earlier in his career, especially after returning from two shoulder reconstructions in recent times.

“You always appreciate the opportunities that you get when you play representative footy, especially for your country, but I’m 34 now and I’m not silly,” he said.

“I know it’s coming towards the end. This might be the last time I might be able to play in the green and gold jersey. I’m certainly relishing the moment.

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“I feel great and my body’s better now than it was 12 months ago. I’m really enjoying my footy as I’ve done all year. When you miss a couple of years you enjoy it because you’ve got it again.”

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