Queensland fullback Billy Slater has announced he will retire from representative rugby at the end of the season, meaning the 2018 State of Origin series will be his last for the Maroons.
Slater will make his 30th appearance for Queensland in Origin I, after debuting in the 2004 series.
"I was always going to be involved in Origin (in one way or another). It was always part of my life growing up," Slater told QRL Media.
"But to actually play on the field for that amount of time and contribute to Queensland like I've always wanted to is something I'm really proud of and really grateful for."
Slater is the final member of the Maroons' big four (Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Jonathan Thurston and Slater) to retire from rep football, and the 34-year-old says representing his state has been a huge honour.
"I want to say a huge 'Thank you' to the fans for fuelling us with the passion," Slater said.
"You look at the traits that the Queensland team have – never give up, be humble when things are going well, look after your mate – they're not just traits of the Queensland team.
"They're traits of Queenslanders in general.
"When hardships hit...cyclones, flood, drought, Queenslanders stick together and that's what we've built our team around."
Slater has represented the Kangaroos on 30 occasions, with his final game coming in the 2017 World Cup final win over England.
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