Veteran Melbourne NRL fullback Billy Slater has confirmed he will play on in 2018.
Slater surprised his premiership-winning teammates with the news on Tuesday night at the Storm’s end-of-season awards.
The 34-year-old returned early this season from two shoulder reconstructions to win the Clive Churchill Medal in the Storm’s grand final win on Sunday over North Queensland.
“I can now give you a definitive answer. I’ve worked out what I want to do next year and that’s to play on,” Slater said to the cheers of the 800-strong crowd at the awards night.
“The grand final was my priority and, through the finals series, I haven’t really given it too much thought.
“It’s always been a physical decision for me and my body is feeling quite good and I’m ready to go around for another year.”
Dean
Guest
I think Billy did the right thing by getting the GF out of the way, have a few days to think about it, get confirmation from his wife that she's up to it. Straight after the GF, everybody's obviously emotional after the win. Maybe there was some doubt, but all praise to Cameron Smith and Craig Bellamy saying so many times over the course of the year that they hoped he would play on. Not just a win for the Storm fans.
Nat
Roar Guru
Nice but never in doubt. Now - over to you Cooper...
Storm man
Roar Rookie
That sounds about right jamesb, no doubt Smith wants to crack the 400th game.
jamesb
Guest
This is great news for someone like Brodie Croft. He will still get to play with Smith and Slater. I reckon what will happen is Slater will retire next year, while Smith will go on until 2019.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Great news, but was it ever really in doubt?
Peter Phelps
Guest
Yes, great news.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Awesome news! It will really help having Slater next year with a new half replacing Cronk. Its great that they will stagger the retirement of the big three and hopefully the youngsters can take over gradually.