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.
“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.
“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.”
Peter Phelps
Guest
Next year will be interesting. Had Cronk stayed at Melbourne, I would have been putting money on them going back to back. Without him, I would like to see how they go the first few games before backing them. The Roosters with Cronk should be a force but I am not 100% convinced that they will see a massive uptick. Cronk without those time honed combinations won't be as good as he was in Melbourne and new distractions might just take the edge off. The Cowboys with Thurston back will be interesting. Does Morgan fall back under Johnny's shadow or do the two of them form a new lethal combination ? Then there is the crop of youngsters coming through. Will Cameron sweep the honours board once again ? Will Vunivalu complete a hat trick of consecutive highest try scorer awards or will he get pipped by his team mate on the other wing ? Will the Knights avoid the spoon ? Will Inglis do a Billy and soar back from injury or is he the most talented player ever to slip into obscurity ? Next year we will be on the edge of our seats.
Peter Phelps
Guest
One thing it has done is put the fire back in Billy's belly. You could see it from the very first second he took to the field this year. That 2 years taught him a lot about what is important and about making the most of what you have while you have it. I reckon there are a lot of ex RL stars out there that regret quiting too early and I reckon that might hit Mr.Thurston come Origin time next year.
BigJ
Roar Guru
The four horseman will ride again in 2018, yeehaa!!!
Nat
Roar Guru
Good on ya Billy. Two years supporting and guiding the Qld boys while injured earned much respect. As frustrating as watching must have been, it has offered extended time to further torment to the Blues.