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Billy Slater

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Billy Slater
Slater playing for theMelbourne Stormin 2008
Personal information
Full nameWilliam Slater[1]
Born(1983-06-18)18 June 1983(age 41)
Nambour,Queensland, Australia
Playing information
Height178 cm (5 ft 10 in)
Weight88 kg (13 st 12 lb)
PositionFullback
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2003–18 Melbourne Storm 323 190 0 0 760
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2004–18 Queensland 31 12 0 0 48
2008–17 Australia 30 27 0 0 108
Coaching information
Representative
Years Team Gms W D L W%
2022– Queensland 9 5 0 4 56
Source:[2][3]

William Slater(born 18 June 1983) is an Australian former professionalrugby leaguefootballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s. Slater is the current coach of theQueensland Maroons,whom he coached to victories in the2022and2023 State of Origin series.

AnAustralian internationaland one-time captain of theQueenslandState of Originteam, he played his entire club career in theNational Rugby League(NRL) for theMelbourne Storm,with whom he played in sevenNRL Grand Finals.Slater also set the club's record for most evertriesand NRL record for most ever tries by a fullback.

Slater amassed 190 NRL tries for the Melbourne Storm, which is thethird mostin Australian first-grade rugby league history. Slater also won two premierships, theClive Churchill Medaltwice and theDally M Medalwith the Storm. With theKangarooshe was the2008 World Cup's top try-scorer and player of the tournament and won the 2008Golden Boot Awardas the World player of the year. Slater was also the winner of the television game showAustralia's Greatest Athletein 2009 and2010.

Background

[edit]

Slater was born inNambour, Queensland,Australia on 18 June 1983. He began playingrugby leaguefootball for the Brothers club inInnisfail, Queensland.[4]ANorth Queensland Cowboysfan growing up, he never made a representative side with the club.[5]At sixteen years of age, Slater left school atInnisfail State High Schooland decided to follow his personal passion forthoroughbred racing,working initially in Sydney for 6 months as aroustaboutfor racehorse trainerGai Waterhouse.[6]

Playing career

[edit]

2003

[edit]

Slater commenced playing for theMelbourne Stormin2003.In Round 1 of the2003 NRL season,Slater made his first gradeNRLdebut for theMelbourne Stormagainst theCronulla-Sutherland SharksatRemondis Stadium.Slater started on thewingand scored a try in Melbourne's 36–32 win after overcoming a 22–0 deficit early in the first half.[7]In Slater's next match in Round 2 against thePenrith Panthers,Slater played his first match for the Storm atfullback,scoring 2 tries in the Storm's 42–16 win atOlympic Park.[8]From Rounds 4–8, Slater played in the centre position before moving back to fullback in Round 10 against theBrisbane Broncosin the Storms 36–16 loss atQueensland Sport and Athletics Centre.[9]Slater played the rest of the year at fullback. After a stellar début season saw him crowned Dally M Rookie of the Year (although the awards that year were cancelled in protest), Slater was the Storm's highest try scorer in the2003 NRL seasonwith 19 tries in their 26 matches.[10]

2004

[edit]

Slater made his debut on thewingfor Queensland in game one of the2004 State of Origin series.Slater had a quiet but solid first game in QLD's 9–8 loss atANZ Stadium.[11]Slater retained his spot on the team for the second game of the series atSuncorp Stadium.In game two, just days shy of his 21st birthday, Slater was named man of the match after scoring two tries. His second try is considered one of the great individual Origin tries. Trailing 12–10, Slater latched onto a grubber kick fromDarren Lockyer,chip-kicked the ball over Blues fullbackAnthony Minichiello,regathering the ball and scoring in QLD's 22–18 win.[12]Slater scored a try in the decider but could not stop aBrad FittlerinspiredNew South Walesside from clinching the series in QLD's 36–14 loss.[13]Slater's club form helped his team finish 6th on the ladder, defeating theBrisbane Broncos31–14 atSuncorp Stadiumin the first game of the finals before succumbing to eventual premiers theCanterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs43–18 atSFS.[14]Slater played 22 matches and scored 14 tries for theStormin the2004 NRL season.[15]He was named in theKangaroo squadto tour Europe but injury prevented him from joining in the tour.[16]

2005

[edit]

Slater once again impressed in his third NRL season. Once again Slater was picked for the Queensland State of Origin team, this time at his preferred position of fullback. Slater returned for the second game in Sydney which saw the return ofAndrew Johns,who spearheaded a New South Wales victory. Despite losing the match 32–22, Slater took advantage of a knock-on from the BluesAnthony Minichielloto score a length of the field try during the match.[17]Slater was dumped from the Queensland side for the deciding third game in Brisbane which led to outrage from some Maroons fans.[18]With injuries and suspensions, Slater had to wait three years for another chance at State of Origin. Slater continued his brilliant form throughout 2005, topping the try scoring charts with 20 tries in 21 matches for theStorm.Melbourne once again finished 6th in the league and defeated theBrisbane Broncos24–18 atSuncorp Stadiumin the first game of the finals before missing the Storms 24–16 season ending loss succumbing to an in-formNorth Queensland Cowboysteam atSFS.[19]

2006

[edit]

Slater had a less successful 2006 season. Slater was suspended in Round 4 for seven matches for kickingWests TigerspropJohn Skandalis,but also scored two tries in the match.[20]Injuries and suspensions kept Slater out of contention for a spot in the Queensland team in 2006. In his comeback game in Round 13 against theSydney Roostersin the Storms 20–16 win atOlympic Park,Slater only played 25 minutes of the second half on the wing and was later found guilty of using a dangerous throw on Roosters centreRyan Cross.[21]Slater was suspended for 2 matches. After Slater's second suspension, Melbourne Storm coachCraig Bellamydecided to give Slater some warm up matches for his comeback into first grade with bothNorth Sydney Bears(Melbourne's feeder club in theNSWRL Premier League) andNorths Devils(Melbourne's feeder club in theQueensland Cup). Slater made his NRL comeback in Round 18 playing his preferred fullback position when the Storm defeated theBrisbane Broncos10–4 atOlympic Park.[22]In Round 22 against theWests Tigersin the Storms 46–4 win atOlympic Park,[23]Slater was given a two match suspension for a late forearm, which was his third suspension for the season. Slater came back to the main line-up in Round 25 against theCanberra Raidersin the Storms 22–18 win atCanberra Stadium.[24]A few weeks later, after having claimed the minor premiership the Storm again met theBrisbane Broncos,this time in the2006 NRL Grand Final.It was Slater's first and he played at fullback in what was Melbourne's first grand final loss after succumbing 15–8 to a Broncos team in Melbourne player Scott Hill farewell NRL match before moving to the ESL.[25]Slater played in 15 matches and scored 5 tries for theStormin the2006 NRL season.[26]

2007

[edit]
Slater whilst playing for Melbourne in 2007.

Slater had a quiet start to the 2007 season. In Round 8, he suffered a badly broken cheekbone against theManly-Warringah Sea Eagleswhen he tried to charge down former teammateMatt Orford's kick, and collided with teammateSam Tagataesein Melbourne's 13–12 loss atBrookvale Oval.[27]On his return from injury in Round 17, Slater scored 8 tries from 9 appearances and became a vital cog in the back line of the Storm, setting up over 20 tries during the season.[citation needed]In Round 21 against theCronulla-Sutherland SharksatRemondis Stadium,Slater played his 100thNRLcareer match in the Storms 17–16 win.[28]Slater was part of the Melbourne Storm2007 NRL Grand Finalwinning team atFullback,defeating theManly-Warringah Sea Eagles34–8, which was later stripped from them for cheating the salary cap. Slater played in 23 matches and scored 12 tries for theStormin the2007 NRL season.[29]Slater won the Storms Back of the Year Award. In the post season Slater was named atFullbackin theMelbourne StormTeam of the Decade.[30]

2008

[edit]

Slater's start to the 2008 season can be described as nothing short of sensational. He scored 3 tries in Melbourne's 32–18 Round 1 win atEtihad Stadium,[31]one atSFSin Round 3, a 10–6 loss to theSydney Roostersand two atOlympic Parkin Melbourne's 26–4 win over theManly-Warringah Sea Eagles.[32]After his start to the season, Slater garnered praise from league experts such asLaurie DaleyandAndrew Johnsas being the best player in the game. Slater's form was rewarded when he was selected at fullback for theAustralian national teamin the Centenary Test againstNew Zealand,displacing the incumbentBrett Stewart.Slater had a modest game in attack for Australia but proved his worth by making numerous try-saving tackles in Australia's 28–12 victory atSCG.[33]Two weeks later, Slater was selected to once again represent Queensland in the2008 State of Origin series,this time displacing incumbent,Karmichael Huntfrom fullback to five-eighth, Slater had a mixed performance for Queensland throwing a few loose passes despite running over 220 metres and making a line break that nearly resulted in a try toGreg Inglis.Queensland eventually lost, 18–10.[34]Slater returned for Game 2 but was dropped to the interchange bench before replacingKarmichael Hunt30 minutes into the match atANZ Stadium.In Game 2 Slater played off the interchange bench in QLD's 30–0 win in Brisbane. In Game 3, Slater once again started from the interchange bench withKarmichael Huntstarting at fullback. A broken arm to Scott Prince at the 17-minute mark forced Slater to fullback withKarmichael Huntswitching to five eighth. Slater broke the line with his first touch and kick return of the game. He was excellent under the high ball, thwarting many attacking kicks. With just 10 minutes to go,Johnathan Thurstonbroke the New South Wales line, drawing in the fullback before passing the ball to Slater who ran the remaining 30 metres to score the match-winning try and a 16–10 victory.[35]It was Slater's first series win for Queensland. In Round 19, Slater was involved in an all-in brawl in a match against theSt George Illawarra Dragonsin the Storms 26–0 win at Olympic Park. He was sin-binned for throwing several punches at winger,Jason Nightingale.[36]He had a two-match suspension downgraded to one match after claiming Nightingale had provoked him with several head-butts throughout the match.

Slater playing for the Storm in August 2008.

In August 2008, Slater was named in thepreliminary 46-man Kangaroos squadfor the2008 World Cup.[37][38]In September 2008; Slater narrowly missed out on the Dally M Medal, Player of the Year, finishing 2 points behind theSea EaglesMatt Orford.[39]The one-week suspension in Round 19 deducted 3 points from Slater's tally, which would have won him the medal. Days after playing in the2008 NRL Grand Final40–0 defeat theManly-Warringah Sea Eagles,[40]Slater was named the Melbourne club's Player of the Year.[41]Slater played in 24 matches and scored 14 tries for theStormin the2008 NRL season.[2]Slater capped off a brilliant year by winning theRugby League World Golden Boot Awardas the best player in the world.[42]In 2008 he also received the Rugby League International Federation's International Player of the Year award.[43]

Slater after playing for Australia in the2008 World Cup final.

In October 2008 Slater was selected in the final 24-manAustraliansquad but hesitated playing since he and his wife were expecting their first child. Slater went on to play fullback for Australia in the 2008 World Cup, scoring hat-tricks in matches against England (52–4 win at Etihad) & Fiji (52–0 win at SFS). Billy Slater won the Man of the match twice in tournament for his performance in both games. About midway through the second half of the World Cup final Slater, who had set up Australia's first two tries, made a grave misjudgement, Slater threw a wild pass back in field after attempting to go the short side from a kick return and it was snapped up byBenji Marshallfor a gift four-pointer. Although Melbourne teammateGreg Inglisbought them back within 2 points with a try, a penalty try, courtesy of aJoel Monaghaninfringement, ruled out any possible comeback. Despite his costly error and Australia losing the game 34–20 toNew Zealand,Slater was namedPlayer of the Tournamentfollowing the World Cup final inBrisbane.[44]Slater was also the competition's top tryscorer with 7 tries.

2009

[edit]

Slater was selected forAustraliain the2009 Anzac Testmatch atfullbackagainstNew ZealandatSuncorp Stadiumin the Kangaroos' 38–10 redemption win over the Kiwis.[45]In April 2009, he was named in the preliminary 25-man squad to represent Queensland in the opening State of Origin match for 2009, and was subsequently picked at fullback for the opening State of Origin match. Slater was the first try scorer in the 2009 State of Origin Series scoring in Queensland's 28–18 win in Sydney.[46]Slater played in the other 2 matches in the Queensland's 2009 winning State of Origin team. In Round 22 against theNorth Queensland CowboysatOlympic Park,Slater played 150th NRL career match in the Storms 20–8 win.[47]Melbourne finished the season 4th on the NRL table and avenged their 2008 Grand Final loss toManlyby defeating them 40–12 in the first week of the finals atEtihad Stadium.Slater's four try haul earned him man of the match honours.[48]Slater notched up his 100thNRLcareer try in Melbourne's 40–10 victory over theBrisbane Broncosin the preliminary final atEtihad Stadium,becoming only the second Melbourne player to do so afterMatt Geyer.[49]

Slater after the2009 NRL Grand Final.

In the next week, the Grand Final was won by theMelbourne Stormover theParramatta Eels23–16. Again this was also stripped from Melbourne for systematic salary cap cheating. Slater scored a try and was judged best on ground, earning the Clive Churchill Medal.[50]Slater was named the Storms highest tryscorer in the2009 NRL seasonwith 18 tries in 26 matches.[2]The following week Slater was named Melbourne's Player of the Year making it the second consecutive year he won the award.[51]During the off-season he was given the first 'Player of the Finals' award, presented by the Rugby League Writers' Association.[52]

Slater topped off the season with selection for Australia in the2009 Four Nationstournament in Europe. Slater played in the first two matches against New Zealand and then England. Slater scored three tries in Australia's 46–16 win overEnglandin the final and also acrobatically tapped the ball back infield setting up a try for teammate,Cameron Smith.[53]

2010

[edit]
Slater playing for Melbourne

For the2010 Anzac Test,Slater was selected to play forAustraliaatfullbackin their 12–8 victory againstNew ZealandatAAMI Park.[54]Despite Melbourne being stripped of their 2007 and 2009 premierships due to thediscovery of a salary cap breach,Slater was allowed to keep his Clive Churchill Medal.[55]Slater was also involved in Queensland's 3–0 whitewash in the2010 State of Origin seriesand received the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series. In the third match, he saved a certain try, before scoring the match-turning and winning try with five minutes remaining in Queensland's 23–18 win in Sydney.[56]Slater played in 22 matches and scored 10 tries in the Storms drama filled2010 NRL seasonin which they were stripped all premiership points, and barred from collecting anymore (Including ones earned from byes) on 22 April as a result of theirsalary cap breach[2]In the post season, Slater was included in theAustralian2010 Four Nationssquad. Slater scored 3 tries in 3 matches, including scoring a try in the Kangaroos 16–12 Four Nations Final match loss toNew ZealandatSuncorp Stadium.[57]

2011

[edit]

In Round 2 against theGold Coast TitansatAAMI Parkthe Storms 40–12 win, Slater scored two where he broke the record for the number of tries scored forMelbourne Stormwith 114 tries, previously held byMatt Geyerwith 113 tries.[58][failed verification]For the2011 Anzac Test,Slater was selected to play forAustraliaatfullback,scoring two tries in the Kangaroos 20–10 victory againstNew ZealandatCbus Super Stadium.[59]Slater played in all three2011 State of Originmatches, asfullbackfor the Queensland Maroons. Slater scored in the last 10 minutes of Game 1 in the Queensland's 16–12 win inBrisbane,[60]and scored in the last 15 minutes of Game 3 in QLD's 34–24 series winning match inBrisbane.[61]In Round 24 against theSt George Illawarra DragonsatAAMI Park,Slater played his 200thNRLcareer match in the Storms 8–6 win.[62]TheMelbourne Stormwon the minor premiership, but were defeated by theNew Zealand Warriors20–12 in the Preliminary Final atAAMI Park,ending Slater's season.[63]Slater was awarded the 2011 Dally M Medal for best and fairest player of the year in the NRL. Following the awarding of the Dally M Medal, there was commentary about Slater's progress. Sports reporters Ray Warren said that he "didn't think Slater was as good a player as he had been in the past", whileAndrew Johnslabelled Slater as "the best fullback he has seen".[64]After playing in 24 matches, Slater was the Storms joint highest tryscorer with 12 tries alongsideCooper CronkandMatt Duffiein the2011 NRL season.[65]On 3 October, Slater was selected for theAustralian Kangaroos,to play asfullbackin the2011 Rugby League Four Nationstournament. While on tour, Slater was named the Rugby League International Federation's International Player of the Year for the second time.[66]Slater suffered a collarbone injury and was ruled out of the tournament afterAustralia's 36–20 win overEnglandatWembley Stadium.[67]Slater played in 3 matches of the series.

2012

[edit]

Slater started the year scoring 9 tries in 5 games, including 2 tries per game in the opening 4 rounds of the season.

For theAnzac Test,Slater was selected to play at fullback in the Kangaroos 20–12 victory againstNew ZealandatEden Park.[68]Slater was Queensland's fullback for Games 1 and 2 of the2012 State of Origin serieswhich saw the Maroons record winning streak extend to seven series. Slater finished the2012 NRL seasonwith him scoring 16 tries in 21 matches for theStorm,which made him the highest fullback try scorer in the NRL with 140 tries, going past previous holderRhys Wesserwith 129. Slater scored a try in Melbourne's 14–4 premiership victory overCanterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs,where Slater was bitten in the ear byJames Grahamduring a scuffle.[69]Slater was selected atfullbackfor the Kangaroos October Test againstNew Zealandat1300SMILES Stadium.The Kangaroos won the match 18–10.[70]

An established ambassador forAdidas,in 2012 Slater appeared as part of a promotional campaign[71]for their F50 adizero III boots alongsideDale Thomasof Aussie Rules and European football (soccer) playerDavid Villa.

2013

[edit]

Slater scored the first try in Melbourne's2013 World Club Challenge18–14 win overLeeds Rhinos.[72]In the2013 Anzac Test,Slater played atfullbackforAustraliain the Kangaroos' 32–12 victory againstNew ZealandatCanberra Stadium.[73]Slater played all three games of the2013 State of Origin seriesin which Queensland extended their record for consecutive series victories to eight. In Round 21 against theCanberra RaidersatCanberra Stadium,Slater also became the 8th player in history of the League to score 150 tries, Slater scoring 2 tries in the Storms 68–4 win.[74]Slater was theStorm's highest tryscorer in the2013 NRL seasonwith 18 tries in 24 matches.[75]In the post season, Slater was chosen inAustralian24-man squad for the2013 World Cupwhich Australia won the Final againstNew Zealand34–2 atOld Trafford,where Slater scored 2 tries.[citation needed]Slater played in 4 matches and scored 4 tries in the tournament.[76]

2014

[edit]

In Round 2 against thePenrith Panthers,Slater reached a milestone of having played 250 games forMelbourne Stormin the 18–17 win atAAMI Park.[77]In the2014 Anzac Test,Slater played atfullbackforAustraliain the Kangaroos' 30–18 victory againstNew ZealandatSFS.[78]Slater played all three games of the2014 State of Origin seriesin which Queensland lost the series 2–1, the first series the NSW Blues won since the 2005 series. In Round 22 against theNewcastle Knightsin the Storms 32–30 loss at Hunter Stadium, Slater eclipsedAndrew Ettingshausentryscoring record with 166 tries, Slater now currently being third in the highest tryscorer ranks.[79][80]Slater finished theStorm's2014 NRL seasonwith him playing in 22 matches and scoring 12 tries.[2]On 9 September 2014, Slater was selected for the Australia Kangaroos2014 Four Nationstrain on squad but withdrew due to injury.[81][82]

2015

[edit]

Slater started the 2015 season, playing featuring in the first 5 rounds of the season. He picked up a shoulder injury in the Storm's 30–14 home game win over theWarriors,which resulted him missing the next 4 weeks of action;[83]including theKangaroos' Annual Trans-TasmanANZAC Testmatch clash to theKiwis,withGreg Inglisfilling his Fullback position.[84]He returned to action in round 8, producing a strong 80-minutes man-of-the-match performance against theParramatta Eels,scoring 2 tries and producing a try-saving tackle onSemi Radradra.

Carrying a shoulder injury (not 100% fully recovered) from the Storm's Round 5 game (in April) that resulted him being ruled out the Trans-TasmanANZAC Test,[85]Slater featured forQueenslandin Game 1 and Game 2 of the2015 State of Origin series.[86]After the Storms' Round 10 match against theSouth Sydney Rabbitohsin the 16–12 win atAAMI Parkand following game 2 of the2015 State of Origin seriesat theMelbourne Cricket Ground,Slater was ruled out of Origin Game 3 (the decider) and for the rest of the2015 NRL seasondue to him having surgery on his troublesome injured shoulder (he originally injured in April, in Round 5).[87][88]Slater's incumbent fullback position was filled byGreg Inglisfor Queensland for game 3 of the Origin Decider,[89][90]whileCameron Munsterwho had a stellar year for the Storm filled his Fullback position for the Storm.[91]Slater finished the season with him only playing in 7 matches and scoring 2 tries for the Storm.[2]

2016

[edit]

After starting round 1 of the 2016 NRL season playing 80-minutes and producing an outstanding performance;[92]Slater was a late withdrawn from the Storm's round 2 clash against the Titans[93][94][95]and after having an arthroscope, he was then later again ruled out for 6–8 months[96][97]as well as for the season; after pulling up sore following the Storm's victory over the Dragons.[98][99][100][101]With speculations surrounding his playing future following that shoulder reconstruction,[102][103]hisMelbourne StormFullback role was filled again byCameron Munster.[104]

During his time on the sideline, his Fullback positions was filled byDarius Boydfor bothAustralia(during the International Trans-TasmanANZAC Testmatch, which was played at Newcastle'sHunter Stadium) andQueensland(for theState of OriginSeries). Despite still being out of action, he missed being part ofQueensland'sState of Originvictorious campaign although he worked closely with new Maroons coachKevin Waltersas a consultant[105]during the2016 State of Origin seriesperiod, assisting him in coaching and working with the backs, as well as working closely with the team.[106][107]

Slater also missed being part ofStorm'sGrand Finalhome-away-from-home clash to theCronulla Sharks [108]andAustralia's successfulFour Nationscampaign, as well as missing the first everPerthInternational Rugby League Trans-TasmanTest match.[109]

At the end of the 2016 season, Slater was awarded (and received) the Peter Jackson Medal for his outstanding contribution in assistingKevin Walterswith the coaching during the2016 State of Origin seriesforQueensland.[110][111]

2017

[edit]

Slater was set to return to action[112]in the Storm's trial match clash against theCanterbury-Bankstown BulldogsatNorth Hobart OvalinHobart,Tasmania.[113][114]However, coachCraig Bellamyopted to rest him for the opening 2 rounds of the 2017 season[115]and Slater had to wait until round 3 to returning to action.[116][117]In Round 3, Slater made his successful return against theBrisbane BroncosatAAMI Park,starting from the bench and playing for 52 minutes in the Storm's 14–12 win.[118][119]The following week, he started at Fullback in the Storm's 22–14 win over theWest Tigersplaying 80 minutes atLeichhardt Oval,which was his first full-game and away game.[120]

In Round 9, Slater finally broke his long try-scoring drought by scoring 2 tries in a strong man-of-the-match performance in the Storm's 34–22 win over the Dragons.[121][122][123]This was the first time he scored a double of tries, since round 9 of the 2015 season. Despite playing consistently well since coming back from injury; Slater was left out of theAustralian KangaroosTest Squad for the International Trans-TasmanANZAC Testmatch toNew Zealand,[124]with coachMal Meningaopted to stay loyal and stick withDarius Boydat Fullback,[125]as well as the players who were part of last year's successfulFour NationsCampaign.[126]

Playing his first game in his home state ofQueenslandin over 1000 days[127]and since round 4 of the 2015 season (which was against theCowboysat1300SMILES StadiuminTownsville) in the NRL Indigenous Round and the Round 10 double-header atSuncorp Stadium;Slater continued his consistent form by producing an outstanding performance scoring a try, setting-up 2 tries, making 8 tackles, 16 runs (174 metres), 2 line-breaks and a line-break assist; despite the Storm narrowly losing 36–38 to theTitans.[128]This was also his first game playing atSuncorp Stadium,since round 20 of the2014 Seasonwhich was against theBrisbane Broncos;[129]despite missing Game 3 (the decider) of the2015 State of Origin seriesand last year's Game 2 of the2016 State of Origin series.

WithGreg Inglisalready sidelined and ruled out of the season with a season-ending knee injury, Slater was expected to return to theQueenslandSquad for the2017 State of Origin series.Despite this, coachKevin Waltersopted to stick withDarius Boydat Fullback, keepJustin O'Neillat right centre,Corey Oatesat left wing,Dane Gagaiat right wing and bring inWill Chambersto play left centre;[130]which resulted him being controversially left out of the Game 1 Squad.[131][132][133]FollowingQueensland's Origin Game 1 loss toNew South Wales,[134]Slater continued-on with his outstanding consistent performances helping the Storm to victories over theKnights[135][136]andSharks.[137][138]He was then recalled to theQueenslandsquad[139][140][141][142]along withJohnathan Thurstonfor game 2,[143][144]which resulted incumbentAustralianTest FullbackDarius Boydshifting to Centre[145]andJustin O'Neilldropped from the team.[146][147][148]

In Game 2 of the Origin Series, Slater produced an outstanding performance setting-up 2 tries (the first try of the game to debutant left wingerValentine Holmes,when he combined withJohnathan ThurstonandDarius Boyd;and the game-winning try to right wingerDane Gagai,when he combined withMichael Morganleading-up toJohnathan Thurstonkicking that winning conversion goal) helping QLD to level the series margin to 1-all in the 18–16 win over NSW at ANZ Stadium.[149][150]Slater remained in the team for game 3 and he produced another outstanding performance in the decider, combining with Storm teammatesCameron Smith,Cooper CronkandCameron Munsterin QLD's NRL one-club spine combination; to guide QLD to a series win in the 22–6 victory over NSW atSuncorp Stadium.[151]

Playing his first NRL final series appearance since 2014 (despite missing the 2015 and 2016 play-offs due to shoulder injuries) and during the first week of the NRL play-offs final series; Slater played a key part in his side's 18–16 win over theParramatta EelsatAAMI Park,scoring a try (his 180th NRL career try) in the 2nd half of the game which resulted him drawing level to formerManly Sea EaglesplayerSteve Menziesas the game's all-time second-equal highest top try-scorer.[152]

With the Storm fresh off their break (after Week 2 of the NRL Final Series) and after their 18–16 victory over theParramatta Eels(in the first week of the Final Series), Slater featured in the club's Grand Final qualifier match against theBrisbane Broncosscoring 2 tries (both in the second half – the 59th minute and in the 71st minute) in the 30–0 win, allowing the Storm progressing through to the Grand Final and resulted him to move pastSteve Menziesas the game's stand-alone second highest top try-scorer (behind another formerManly Sea EaglesplayerKen Irvine,who had scored 212 tries).[153][154][155][156][157]

On 27 September leading into theGrand Final;Slater was awarded the Fullback of the Year Award at the NRL Dally M Awards Event.[158][159]

Playing in theGrand FinalatANZ Stadiumon 1 October; Slater produced an outstanding performance guiding theMelbourne Stormto win the 2017 NRL Premiership (their first Premiership since 2012), beating theNorth Queensland Cowboys34–6. Following the game, he received theClive Churchill Medalas the best player on the field.[160][161][162]Two days following theGrand Finalvictory, Slater was named in theAustralianTest Squad for the2017 Rugby League World CupTournament.[163][164][165][166][167][168]He also signed a one-year extension, committing to theMelbourne Stormfor the 2018 season.[169]

Playing at Fullback in his first international test match forAustraliasince 2014, Slater scored a try and produced an outstanding man-of-the-match performance in the 18–4 win overEnglandat Melbourne's AAMI Park.[170][171]The following week, he equaled the record ofBob FultonandJarryd Haynein becoming the Tournament's Top Try-Scorer inRugby League World Cuphistory by producing another outstanding performance and scoring his 13thWorld Cuptry (his 24th Test-Career Try) in Australia's 52–6 win overFrancein Canberra.[172][173]CoachMal Meningaopted to rest Slater for theLebanonclash in Sydney, leading into the play-offs. Slater then returned to the starting line-up at Fullback for the quarter-final game, scoring a try in Australia's 46–0 win againstSamoain Darwin.[174][175]He then played in Australia's semi-final game againstFiji,scoring 2 tries (which resulted him breaking the all-time World Cup Try-Scoring Record; scoring his 16th World Cup try, as well as his 27th Test try) in the 52–6 win atSuncorp Stadium,guiding the Australians to the World Cup Grand Final.[176][177][178][179]Playing Fullback in the World Cup Grand Final atSuncorp Stadium,Slater featured in Australia's 6–0 win over England, playing an important role and producing another fine performance in the green-and-gold jersey.[176][180][181]

2018

[edit]

Slater started the season, sitting out of the Round 1 game (to the Bulldogs in Perth) due to injury. He returned to the field in Round 2, playing his 300th NRL Career game in the 8–10 loss theWest TigersatAAMI Park.[182]

Slater earned criticism during a home Round 6 game against the Newcastle Knights where he was accused of diving which led second-rowerLachlan Fitzgibbonto besin-binned.While Slater had the right to go for a quick-tap because he was outside the 10-metre, many disapproved when Fitzgibbon stuck out his hand out on shoulder lightly to make Slater hit the deck. Both fans and social media users were questioning the physics of Slater falling, thus drawing accusations of diving.[183][184]

Slater also captained theMelbourne Stormfor the first time in his NRL Career and duringCameron Smith's suspension absence, against theManly Sea Eaglesin the 4–24 loss during Round 11.[185]

Slater announced his intentions to retire from representative football after the 2018 State of Origin series and was yet to make a decision on playing only at the club level in 2019.[186]

Slater was set to play in the opening game of the Origin series at theMCG;however, he withdrew from the Game 1 squad due to ahamstringinjury, in what would have been his last Origin match in Melbourne.[187]He returned from injury in game 2 to play his 30th Origin game, producing an outstanding performance despite Queensland losing game 2 and the series in New South Wales' home game victory atANZ Stadium.[188]

Following an injury to Queensland teammate and captainGreg Inglis,Slater was named captain for game 3 in his final Origin game. Producing yet another outstanding performance, Slater led Queensland to an 18–12 victory atSuncorp Stadium,thus avoiding a potential 3–0 series whitewash by New South Wales. For his efforts, Slater received the Wally Lewis Medal for Player of the Series, despite having only participated in two of the three Origin games and Queensland's overall series loss.[189]

On 8 August, Slater announced that he would be retiring from the NRL at the end of the 2018 season.[190]He played his final game, a grand final loss to the Sydney Roosters, on 30 September 2018.[191]

Post-playing career

[edit]

On 10 October 2018, Slater joinedAustralian Football League(AFL) clubSt Kildain a leadership role. He also joined theNine Network’s NRL commentary team in 2019[192]On 14 March 2019 Melbourne Storm Announced the renaming of the Northern Stand of AAMI Park to Slater Stand. On 30 August 2019, Slater was chosen at Fullback in the Queensland Maroons team of the decade.

Coach of Queensland

[edit]

Billy was selected as the Queensland Maroons Head Coach on 24 September 2021 on a two-year deal.[193] Slater coached the Queensland Maroons to a shock series victory in the2022 State of Origin series.He followed this up with victory in the2023 State of Origin series.In September 2023, he signed a three-year extension to coach the team.[194]

Hall of Fame

[edit]

In August 2024, theNational Rugby Leagueannounced that Slater was an inductee into theNational Rugby League Hall of Fame.Slater, who was ascribed Hall of Fame number 122, was amongst eleven male players in the 2024 Class.[195]

Honours

[edit]

Statistics

[edit]

NRL

[edit]

[2]

Denotes seasons in which Slater won anNRL Premiership
Denotes seasons in which Slater won anNRL Premiershipthat was later stripped
Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts W L D W-L %
2003 Melbourne Storm 26 19 0 0 76 16 10 0 61.54
2004 22 14 0 0 56 12 10 0 54.55
2005 21 20 0 0 80 12 9 0 57.14
2006 15 5 0 0 20 12 3 0 80.00
2007† 23 12 0 0 48 20 3 0 86.96
2008 24 14 0 0 56 19 5 0 79.17
2009† 26 18 0 0 72 16 9 1 61.54
2010 22 10 0 0 40 13 9 0 59.09
2011 24 12 0 0 48 19 5 0 79.17
2012† 21 16 0 0 64 19 2 0 90.48
2013 24 18 0 0 72 16 7 1 66.67
2014 22 12 0 0 48 13 9 0 59.09
2015 7 2 0 0 8 5 2 0 71.43
2016 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 100.00
2017† 21 11 0 0 44 19 2 0 90.48
2018 20 7 0 0 28 12 8 0 60.00
Career totals 323 190 0 0 760 224 93 2 70.22

State of Origin

[edit]
[198]
Denotes years in which Slater won aState of Origin series
Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts W L D W-L %
2004 Queensland 3 3 0 0 12 1 2 0 33.33
2005 Queensland 2 1 0 0 4 1 1 0 50.00
2008† Queensland 3 1 0 0 4 2 1 0 66.66
2009† Queensland 3 2 0 0 8 2 1 0 66.66
2010† Queensland 3 2 0 0 8 3 0 0 100.00
2011† Queensland 3 2 0 0 8 2 1 0 66.66
2012† Queensland 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 50.00
2013† Queensland 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 66.66
2014 Queensland 3 1 0 0 4 1 2 0 33.33
2015† Queensland 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 50.00
2016 Queensland 0
2017† Queensland 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 100.00
2018 Queensland 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 50.00
Career totals 31 12 0 0 48 18 12 0 60.00

Australia

[edit]
[199]
Denotes years in which Slater won aWorld CupTitle
Denotes years in which Slater won aFour NationsTitle
Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts W L D W-L %
2008 Australia 5 7 0 0 28 4 1 0 80.00
2009† Australia 4 6 0 0 24 3 0 1 75.00
2010 Australia 4 3 0 0 12 3 1 0 75.00
2011† Australia 4 2 0 0 8 4 0 0 100.00
2012 Australia 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 100.00
2013† Australia 5 4 0 0 16 5 0 0 100.00
2014 Australia 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 100.00
2015 Australia 0
2016 Australia 0
2017† Australia 5 5 0 0 20 5 0 0 100.00
Career totals 30 27 0 0 128 27 2 1 90.00

Personal life

[edit]

Slater lives in Melbourne with his wife, Nicole Slater (née Rose). They were married inCairnsin November 2009[200]and have two children, a daughter, Tyla Rose and a son, Jake.[6][201]

Billy Slater participated in the television showAustralia's Greatest Athleteand was the winner for bothSeason 1(broadcast onChannel 9) andSeason 2(onChannel 7) against a diverse range of athletes such asOlympic gold medalistSteve Hooker,ironmanKy HurstandV8 SupercarchampionsJamie WhincupandCraig Lowndes.[citation needed]

A regular contributor to Canterbury Junior Football Club in Melbourne, Slater also frequently gives up his time to help other Junior Sport Programs around Australia.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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  137. ^Gould, Phil (8 June 2017)."Sometimes you just have to stand and applaud: Storm's best come in the clutch to beat Sharks".Wide World of Sports.Nine Digital.Archivedfrom the original on 11 June 2017.Retrieved13 June2017.
  138. ^Bailey, Scott (8 June 2017)."Slater presses Origin case in Storm win".Wide World of Sports.Nine Digital.Archivedfrom the original on 11 June 2017.Retrieved13 June2017.
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[edit]
Sporting positions
Preceded by Coach

Queensland

2022
Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by Dally MTop Try Scorer in the NRL
(withShaun Berrigan)

2005
Succeeded by
Preceded by Dally MFullback of the Year
2008
Succeeded by
Preceded by Golden Boot Award
Rugby League World International Player of the Year

2008
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Inaugural
Australia's Greatest AthleteWinner
2009, 2010
Succeeded by
Preceded by Clive Churchill Medallist
2009
Succeeded by
Preceded by Dally M Medallist
2011
Succeeded by