Instead of putting a target on Billy Slater’s back, Brisbane sound more likely to give it a pat when the Melbourne veteran makes his long-awaited NRL return on Thursday night.
The Broncos have toasted Slater ahead of his comeback clash from a two-year battle with shoulder dramas, dismissing talk that the Storm fullback will be “fair game”.
“It’s good to see Billy playing footy again if he is back this week,” Brisbane lock Josh McGuire said.
“I’ve always seen Billy as the ultimate professional so I’m sure he’ll be ready.
“He’s not the type of person to come into a match underdone.
“And he won’t have to worry about me targeting him because I can’t catch him – he’s too quick for me.”
Slater will end a year-long wait for his latest return after being limited to just eight games in the past two seasons by shoulder issues.
Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough baulked when asked if they would target the wily No.1’s troublesome shoulder.
“I wouldn’t say he is fair game,” he said. “Billy is Billy. He’s a professional. He will slot straight into the team. He has had a couple of tough years.
“When he goes out there he will be ready to go – no doubt they won’t be risking him.
Slater received even more praise from Brisbane bench forward Jai Arrow, who was just eight when the Melbourne fullback made his NRL debut in 2003.
“I grew up watching him,” he said.
“He’s been a part of the game for a long time so it will be surreal to take him on down in Melbourne.
“It will be another learning curve playing against someone of that calibre.”
Aaron
Guest
This is so true. I've played Kick It touch footy against Moose Mcguire. He's an absolute clown who plays the game like it's full contact, and even puts cheap shots and ankle taps on girls. Come to think of it, his whole team were a bunch of thugs, with one of his teammates throwing some punches (in a game of touch!). We got the sweetest revenge and beat them in the Grand Final though. Mcguire's a big, solid dude who is surprisingly agile and has a great kicking game, however. I wish he'd just concentrate on doing the hard yards and making his tackles, instead of trying to be this tough guy doing the niggly BS. Of course the Broncos will target Billy.
SSTID_1970
Roar Rookie
Does that mean I can count on a month of silence then? For the record though, I hope Slater does come good as he is one of the champions of the game and deserves the chance to go out with a BANG and not a whimper. Sadly not all players get that opportunity, just ask snake and Matai.
SSTID_1970
Roar Rookie
eels47, I've told you before, never let the truth get in the way of a good yarn! LOL Good point though, I along with others here, took the bait and went off the headline. Let's be honest, who in NSW is interested in another QLD loves QLD story!
St Adam
Guest
Hey Roberto - good day to you too. Would you like to point out exactly where I mentioned anything about penalties in my above comment? ''It's better to remain silent and only be thought of as a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt...''
Jimmmy
Guest
I have the screen shot . You'll hear from me in a month.
SSTID_1970
Roar Rookie
" 'going easy on Billy’ was tantamount to match fixing." You're right. Why isn't it match fixing for a team ahead of a game to admit that a they will not put pressure or attempt to exploit an advantage to win a game? Only QLDers would come up with this. Just as long as the "take it easy" on Greg Inglis when he eventually returns to the game! It won't matter in any case, as much of a champion as he is, Slater's shoulder is gone and it won't be long before reality catches up with him and the rest of the Rugby League following public. Unless he is playing Oztag he won't last more than a week or two I expect.
jimmmy
Guest
Welcome back Billy. I have no problem with the Broncs targeting Billy , crazy if they don't but its one thing to target him , it's another to catch him first. Anyone who doubts this guy will make a successful comeback just doesn't know him. He will kill it. The NRL needs stars and Billy is of the brightest.
kk
Roar Pro
Turn it up. The PC mob could mount a case that 'going easy on Billy' was tantamount to match fixing.
Memphis
Guest
SOO mates rules over club footy again - they would be derelict if they didn't target him..
catcat
Roar Rookie
bet he does a hamstring....
Joe
Roar Rookie
I really hope Billy Slater gets through this game ok. Even if Storm lose but Slater gets through this game ok I'll be pretty happy. I don't think I've ever seen a player work so hard to get back but at the end of the day we're all made of flesh and bone. Really nervous over his return in this game. I think if the plays this year then Storm are a very good chance to make the GF again.
Roberto
Guest
Least penalized team in the comp, stop talking nonsense fool.
St Adam
Guest
Haha exactly eels47. I wouldn't put it passed Macguire to rub his forearm and chicken wing his own mother if he could catch her...let alone a player on another team. The wrestle and niggle tactics will definitely be there from the Broncs as per usual - mark my words.
eels47
Roar Rookie
No where does it say they will go easy on him. McGuire says he won't target him as he can't catch him..... Fair enough McCullough says he is not fair game and the three of them have praised his professionalism and consistency. They have answered the questions exactly as they should have, but have not said that they will go easy on him. Of course they are going to test his shoulder, but they aren't silly enough to say that publicly.
Silvertail47
Guest
Ha ha , from the club that brought us wrestle mania, the biggest cap Rort in history robbing clubs like Manly but especially Parra , smash him , twist that shoulder , put him in a kimura ,
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Billys Back Baby!
Renegade
Roar Guru
I hope he kills it and comes through unscathed , can't wait to see the legend in action again.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Go Billy!!! Good luck...