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.”
With AAP
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I'm not too sure GI should play fullback, he is nowhere near as mobile as he should be, definitely carrying hip & knee issues. I realise Jennings was selected as cover for 'if' Billy couldn't start. But weakening one spot to cover another isn't very smart. Dugan to fullback makes more sense to me.
Dav
Guest
lol eaglejack, you mean like what Josh Dugan, Josh Morris, Daniel Tupou, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Paul Gallen, Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods, Ryan Hoffman, Beau Scott, Greg Bird, Trent Merrin, Boyd Cordner, Luke Lewis do, that liberal use of the elbow and forearm on his opposition. haha, very funny eagle, you still crack us up mate ...hoho ...hehe ....
Muzz
Guest
I like Moylan, mate. I just have the feeling that Daley may opt to play Dugan in game 1.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Muzz, I think Moylan is ready and is also an infinite better option at the back than Dugan. Dugan is better suited to the wing where all he has to do is run. If Moylan isn't ready - pick Brett Stewart at 1.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Haha ;)
Greg Taz
Guest
Damn, possibly the same result as last year again. Inglis was pretty ordinary against nz in the four nations. They needs slater as he is everywhere.
Muzz
Guest
Is Moylan ready? My guess is Dugan will be the NSW fullback.
maximillian
Guest
I agree that is strange. Do the Origin coaches have any influence with the Kangaroos selections? I think Dugan could play wing for NSW with Jennings/J Morris in the centres & Moylan at fb. This could be a good dress rehearsal for Dugan on the wing in Origin.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
To me it's odd that Chambers is set to be playing centre inside Dugan on the wing, both have played rep football in the other position.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
"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. Unless Slater is trying to play mind games with the Kiwis I'm pretty sure GI will be at the back.
Terry Kidd
Guest
Are we so certain Inglis will go to fullback? It could just as easily be Dugan who goes to fullback.
CW
Guest
Slater said "it was a tough call" but one he was forced to make. I can bet you that he is devastated to once again miss out on slipping on his beloved Kangaroo jumper.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
I'd say BA is speaking from the perspective of a Storm fan. I'm disappointed he isn't playing. It's the only time I ever get to cheer for the bloke and ignore his liberal use of the elbow and forearm on his opposition.
Renegade
Guest
Smart move? By who? The medical staff didn't clear him because he isn't fit.... I don't see how that can be seen as a strategic move - it's simply cut and dry of fit or unfit.
Joe
Roar Rookie
As a Storm fan not too disappointed to see Slater ruled out. I think he needs another week or 2 to fully recover the shoulder and playing against NZ might have just made it worse. With Inglis at back and Jennings into centre it's still a very strong backline.
maximillian
Guest
Its a testament to the depth of Australia that a player of Jennings calibre can be called into the squad. Slater is a champion, but I actually think this is a stronger side with GI at the back. It should be a great game though.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Massive blow for the Kangaroos, great for NZ.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
Smart move, I would rather him fully recover and be 100% for the Melbourne Storm than risk it just to play for Australia. If he somehow managed to make it through the training to play I reckon Manu would have whacked him pretty good and re-injured it for him anyway. I see his omission as a blessing.