Billy Slater ruled out for Round 1

Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater has been ruled out of the Round 1 clash against the Bulldogs in Perth.

Slater was ruled out as a precaution after suffering a shoulder injury during the Storm’s World Club Challenge match.

"Billy trained very well on Friday, however, has pulled up a little sore since the session," Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said.

"Billy and the medical staff have decided to take the cautious approach and therefore he won’t play this Saturday.

"Scans have shown no structural damage, so we don’t expect Billy to be sidelined for long."

"While I was very close to playing this weekend, I wanted to ensure I was ready and prepared to step onto the field for an NRL match and for what is a long and rigorous season, taking this precaution is the best course of action," Slater said about missing the match.

The Storm will also be without backup fullback Jahrome Hughes who is also currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Head coach Craig Bellamy will name his 21-man squad for the match on Tuesday at 4pm.