Billy Slater believes his new two-year Melbourne contract shows there is still room for loyalty in the NRL.
Slater announced the deal, which allows him to play out an entire 15-year career with the Storm, in the same week fellow one-club veteran Robbie Farah said Wests Tigers told him to look elsewhere or play reserve grade despite having two years left on his contract.
Test and Queensland fullback Slater didn’t feel qualified to comment on NSW vice-captain Farah’s case but he did allude to it.
“There’s been a bit of talk over the last couple of days about loyalty in the game,” Slater said.
“In my case I feel extremely loyal towards the Storm and I feel they’ve been extremely loyal to me.
“I’ve never actually considered or thought about playing for anyone else.”
“I feel very honoured and privileged that I can finish may career down here in Melbourne where it all started.”
Slater joins Australian captain and fellow 32-year-old Cameron Smith in agreeing to a deal allowing him to see out his NRL days as one-club player with Melbourne.
It should see him achieve the 300-game milestone with the Storm – he is currently on 277.
Smith signed a four-year deal to the end of 2018 and Slater hasn’t ruled out playing on beyond his latest deal to the end of 2017.
He has missed the second half of this season after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction following the second State of Origin.
He said the recent time out of the game convinced him retirement was still along way off.
“Watching the boys playing has been extremely tough and it’s reminded me I’m nowhere near retiring right now.
“I’m as hungry as ever and I’ve still got the drive to succeed.
“It’s not definitely my last contract but more than likely.
“The body’s feeling really good and I feel like I’ve got plenty of rugby league left in me.
“Two years might be enough, I’m not sure.”
BeastieBoy
Guest
Loyalty.. like where. For some special few yes. But look at how many have been pushed out of Melbourne storm over the years. Loyalty. Long gone !
Jimmmy
Guest
Spot on Don, Slater is a marvel . To be targeted like he is , play as many games as he has and be the influence he has been is miraculous .
Brett
Guest
I think you have confused Slater with Gallen, or maybe you just don't want Slater carving it up in Origin.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I'd have to agree. Green has been outstanding this year. I think it is likely Munster will play left centre in place of Mann. He will probably need to bulk up a bit in the off season but he definitely has all the skills to play well in that position and an off season training in that position. He will cover fullback during the Origin period and take over after 2017.
Don
Roar Rookie
Are you joking? Do you realise how reliable this guy has been? In 13 seasons and 277 games with the Storm this has been his worst year with only 7 matches. The next worst was 2006 when he played 15. These are the only years he has played fewer than 21 club matches. He averages over 21 NRL club games a year for 13 years even including those worst years. PLUS 25 test matches and 27 Origin games. Maybe you are thinking of Paul Gallen?
Niall
Guest
Considering how well Blake Green has played this season and how good Slater is at organising the defensive line it just won't happen.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
So will Slater show some loyalty to the Storm and knock back Origin selection, or will the Storm get about 8 games out of him per year?
cedric
Guest
I suppose you would be loyal if the money was good, and its gotta be because Billy is still awesome! But Billy please don't mention or give loaded answers, as generally its not appreciated by others, and I would like Billy to go out as the champ he is!
Brendon
Guest
I'd be considering a shift to 5/8 for Slater. He needs a position with less impact on his body, that still allows his awesome ball running skills. With Cronk and Smith able to shoulder the kicking, it would be a good move, as it would allow Munster to continue to develop in the fullback position.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Awesome news!! Billy deserved to go out a one club Melbourne Storm player and am glad the club could accommodate him. Hopefully he spends the rest of the year resting up the body so he can be bounce back next year fully fit. Those knocks on the door from other clubs for Munster are definitely going to get louder but he is also locked in for the next couple of years and hopefully is destined to take over from Billy.