"Iโm sorry to say it Billy, but your time is up. Itโs time to step aside."
Seven months ago, I wrote that Billy Slaterโs time in the NRL was up, that he was holding Cameron Munster back. How wrong I was.
Round 3, 2017. Melbourne Storm host the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park. Billy Slater, an hour before kick-off gets shifted back to the bench as prepares to run out for his second NRL game in 670 days. Slater highlights play on the big screen as the commentators discuss Slaterโs troublesome shoulder, and whether he can still handle the NRL.
Itโs the 28thย minute, Billy Slater rises from the bench, interchange card in hand. Heโs jumping on the spot up and down, nervous, as the crowd catch wind and begin to stand and applaud the custodian.
Billyโs back.
He doesnโt produce any particularly special highlights. No tries, no assists, no linebreaks, only two tackles. But he finishes the game. Seventeen runs, 139 metres. Thatโs the Billy we all know. From there on, Slater continued his return to his old antics.
It wouldnโt be until his 7th game of the season, an away game against St George Illawarra, that the fullback would score his first try since his May 10th, 2015. In fact, heโd score two. Week by week, brick by brick, Slater built himself up to his regular self.
Kevvie Walters spectacularly claimed Slaterโs time in the Maroon was done and dusted in late May. It was Darius Boydโs time. But after a 28-4 loss to the Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Game I, the rugby league world called for the reinstatement of the Slater into Queenslandโs number one jersey.
Walters gave in, recalling Billy, and a few weeks later Queensland had pulled off a stunning 2-1 series victory. I wrote in February Slaterโs NRL career was over, and there he was, holding the State of Origin shield above his head.
September came, and saw โBilly the Kidโ create history as the NRLโs highest ever tryscorer in finalโs games. Scoring 10 tries in his 20 games this year, Slater stands alone as the 2ndย highest try scorer in NRL history, touching down 182 times in his 298 game career.
Billy Slater will run out for the sixth Grand Final of his career this Sunday, and without a contract for 2018 thus far, it could well be his last. Experts believe that if Melbourne lift the trophy, Slater will call it quits. Whether or not this is the case, Slater has left myself, and the rugby league world, mistaken.
An early favourite for the Dally M Fullback of the Year and weeks away from a Kangaroos recall for the World Cup, Billy Slater still has what it takes. After all, he is one of the best fullbacks to ever lace a boot in rugby league.
So Iโm sorry Slater, you proved me wrong.
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