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In 2008, Slater was considered the form fullback in the competition narrowly losing out on the Dally M after a points deduction for a fight with Jason Nightingale late in the season cost him the award. At the end of the season, Slater was reward with the fullback spot for the Australian team in the 2008 World cup. Slater would top score with 7 tries in the tournament. A wild pass from Slater in the final deep in his own half gave New Zealand a strangle hold on the match after Benji Marshall intercepted it and scored. In spite of the blunder, Slater was named player of the tournament.
In 2008, Slater was considered the form fullback in the competition narrowly losing out on the Dally M after a points deduction for a fight with Jason Nightingale late in the season cost him the award. At the end of the season, Slater was reward with the fullback spot for the Australian team in the 2008 World cup. Slater would top score with 7 tries in the tournament. A wild pass from Slater in the final deep in his own half gave New Zealand a strangle hold on the match after Benji Marshall intercepted it and scored. In spite of the blunder, Slater was named player of the tournament.


In 2009, with Karmicheal Hunt announcing his intention to play Australian Rules Football the following season, Slater was now the unequivocal no.1 for both Australia and Queensland. A position he retained until State of Origin game 3 of 2012 when he was ruled out through injury. Every origin series during this period has been won by Queensland. Slater was also apart of the Australian 4-nation winning teams of 2009 and 2011.
In 2009, with Karmicheal Hunt announcing his intention to play Australian Rules Football the following season, Slater was now the unequivocal no.1 for both Australia and Queensland playing all three games for Queenslands and winning the Four nations with Australia.

Slater returned to fullback for the first two games of the 2013 series.
From the period of 2009-2013. Slater was the starting fullback for all origin matches except game 3 of 2012 when an injury kept him out of the decider. In 2010, Slater was part of the team that won a clean sweep also being named man of the series. He also scored the match-winner of game one in 2011 and won his second Four Nations series with Australia.


==Sponsorship==
==Sponsorship==

Revision as of 16:43, 17 July 2013

For the English footballer, see Billy Slater (footballer).

Billy Slater
Slater playing for Melbourne in 2010
Personal information
Full nameBilly Jono Slater
Born (1983-06-18) 18 June 1983 (age 41)
Nambour, Queensland, Australia
Height178 cm (5 ft 10 in)
Weight90 kg (200 lb)
Playing information
PositionFullback, Five-eighth
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2003– Melbourne Storm 239 148 0 0 592
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2004– Queensland 22 11 0 0 44
2008– Australia 20 18 0 0 72
As of source = Rugby League Project

Billy Slater (born 18 June 1983 in Nambour, Queensland) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Melbourne Storm of the National Rugby League (NRL). An Australian international and Queensland State of Origin representative fullback, he has played his whole NRL career to date at Melbourne, with whom he set the club record for most ever tries and NRL record for most ever tries by a fullback. Slater also won three grand finals, the Clive Churchill Medal and the Dally M Medal with the Storm. With the Kangaroos he was the 2008 World Cup's top try-scorer and player of the tournament and won the 2008 Golden Boot Award as the World player of the year. Slater was also the winner of the television game show Australia's Greatest Athlete in 2009 and 2010.

Early career

Slater began playing rugby league for the Brothers club in Innisfail, Queensland at only four years old.He attended upper coomera state college, A North Queensland Cowboys fan growing up, he continued to make the Innisfail representative side every season until his final year with the club. At sixteen years of age, Slater decided to follow his personal passion for thoroughbred racing, working initially in Sydney as a roustabout for the racehorse trainer, Gai Waterhouse.[2]

Professional career

Slater commenced playing for the Melbourne Storm in 2003. A stellar début season saw him crowned Dally M Rookie of the Year (although the awards that year were cancelled in protest).

2004 season

Slater earnt his first representative honours with a berth on the wing in the Queensland State of Origin team. Slater had a quiet but solid first game and retained his spot on the team for the second game of the series at Suncorp Stadium. Slater's performance in Game 2 earned him Man of the Match honours.

Slater scored a try in the decider but could not stop a Brad Fittler-inspired New South Wales side from clinching the series. Slater's club form helped his team finish 6th on the ladder, defeating the Brisbane Broncos in the first game of the finals before succumbing to eventual premiers, the Bulldogs. Following his stellar season, Slater was named in the Kangaroo squad to tour Europe but injury prevented him from joining in the tour.

2005 season

Slater once again impressed in his 3rd 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 of Andrew Johns, who spearheaded a New South Wales' victory. Despite losing the match, Slater took advantage. of a knock-on from the Blue's Anthony Minichiello to score a length of the field try during the match. Slater was dumped from the Queensland side for the deciding third game in Brisbane which led to outrage from some Maroons fans.[3]

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 for Melbourne. Melbourne once again finished 6th in the league and defeated the Brisbane Broncos in the first game of the finals before succumbing to an in-form North Queensland Cowboys team.

2006 season

Slater had a less successful 2006 season. He was suspended in round 4 for seven matches for kicking Wests Tigers' prop John Skandalis. In his comeback game in round 13 against the Sydney Roosters, Slater only played 25 minutes of the second half on the wing and was later found guilty of using a dangerous throw on Roosters' centre Ryan Cross. He was suspended for 2 matches. After Slater's second suspension, Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy decided to give Slater some warm up matches for his comeback into first grade with both North Sydney Bears (Melbourne's feeder club in the NSWRL Premier League) and Norths Devils (Melbourne's feeder club in the Queensland Cup).[4]

Slater made his NRL comeback in round 18 playing his preferred fullback position when Melbourne Storm defeated the Brisbane Broncos at Olympic Park 10–4. In round 22 against the Wests Tigers, he was given a two match suspension for a late forearm, which was his third suspension for the season. He came back to the main lineup in round 25 against the Canberra Raiders. A few weeks later, after having claimed the minor premiership the Storm again met the Broncos, this time in the 2006 NRL Grand Final. It was Slater's first and he played at fullback in what was Melbourne's first grand final loss.[5]

2007 season

Slater leaving the field following the pre-match warm-up

Slater had a quiet start to the 2007 season. In round 8, he suffered a badly broken cheekbone against Manly when he tried to charge down former team-mate Matt Orford's kick, and collided with teammate Sam Tagataese. On his return from injury, he was in good form, scoring 8 tries from 9 appearances and becoming a vital cog in the back line of the Storm, setting up over 20 tries during the season. He was part of the Grand final winning team, beating Manly Sea-Eagles 34–8.

2008 season

Slater playing for the Storm in August, 2008.

Slater's start to the 2008 NRL season can be described as nothing short of sensational. He scored 3 tries in Melbourne's 32–18 round one win at the Telstra Dome, one at the Sydney Football Stadium in a third round, 10–6 loss to Sydney Roosters and two at Olympic Park in Melbourne's 26–4 win over the Manly Sea Eagles. After his scintilating start, Slater garnered praise from league experts such as Laurie Daley and Andrew Johns as being the best player in the game.[citation needed]

Slater's form was rewarded when he was selected at fullback for the Australian national team in the Centenary Test against New Zealand, displacing incumbent, Brett 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. Two weeks later, Slater was selected to once again represent Queensland in the State of Origin series, this time displacing incumbent, Karmichael Hunt from fullback to five-eighth.

In game I, 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 to Greg Inglis. Queensland eventually lost, 18–10. Slater returned for game II but was dropped to the interchange bench before replacing Karmichael Hunt 30 minutes into the match.

In State of Origin III, Slater once again started from the bench with Karmichael Hunt starting at fullback. A broken arm to Scott Prince at the 17 minute mark forced Slater to fullback with Karmichael Hunt switching 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 Thurston broke 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. It was Slater's first series win for Queensland.

In round 19, Slater was involved in an all-in brawl in a match against the St. George Illawarra Dragons. He was sin-binned for throwing several punches at winger, Jason Nightingale. He had a two-match suspension downgraded to one match after claiming Nightingale had provoked him with several head-butts throughout the match.

In September 2008, Slater narrowly missed out on the Dally M Medal, Player of the Year, finishing 2 points behind Manly's Matt Orford. A one-week suspension in round 19 deducted 3 points from Slater's tally, which would have won him the medal.[6]

Days after playing in the 2008 NRL Grand Final defeat to Manly (a record 40 nil loss), he was named the Melbourne club's Player of the Year.[7]

He capped off a brilliant year by winning the Rugby League World Golden Boot Award as the best player in the world.[8]

World Cup

In August 2008, Slater was named in the preliminary 46-man Kangaroos squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup,[9][10] and in October 2008 he was selected in the final 24-man Australian squad but hesitated playing since he and his wife were expecting their first child.[11][12] Billy Slater went on to play fullback for Australia in the 2008 World Cup, scoring hat-tricks in matches against England & Fiji. 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. The fullback threw a wild pass back in field after attempting to go the short side from a kick return and it was snapped up by Benji Marshall for a gift four-pointer. Although Melbourne teammate Greg Inglis bought them back within 2 points with a try, a penalty try, courtesy of a Joel Monaghan infringement ruled out any possible comeback.

Although Australia lost the game to New Zealand, Slater was named Player of the Tournament following the World Cup final in Brisbane.[13] He was also the competition's top tryscorer with 7 tries.

2009

He was selected for Australia in the one-off test match against New Zealand on 8 May 2009.[14]

In April 2009, he was named in the preliminary 25 man squad to represent Queensland in the opening State of Origin match for 2009,[15] and was subsequently picked at fullback for the opening State of Origin match.[16] Billy was the first try scorer in the 2009 State of Origin Series.

Melbourne finished the season 4th on the NRL table and avenged their 2008 Grand Final loss to Manly by defeating them 40–12 in the first week of the finals. Slater's four try haul earned him man of the match honours. Slater notched up his 100th try in Melbourne's 40–10 defeat of the Brisbane Broncos in the preliminary final,[17] becoming only the second Melbourne player to do so (after Matt Geyer).

The Grand Final was won by Melbourne Storm over the Parramatta Eels 23–16. Slater scored a try and was judged best on ground, earning the Clive Churchill Medal.[18]

The following week Slater was named Melbourne's Player of the Year making it the second consecutive year he won the award.[19] During the off-season he was given the first 'Player Of The Finals' award, presented by the Rugby League Writers' Association.

Slater topped off the season with selection for Australia in the 2009 Four Nations tournament in Europe. He played in the first two matches against New Zealand and then England. He scored three tries in Australia's 46–16 win over England in the final and also acrobatically tapped the ball back infield setting up a try for teammate, Smith.[20]

2010

Despite Melbourne being stripped of their 2007 and 2009 premierships due to the discovery of extensive salary cap rorting, Slater was allowed to keep his Clive Churchill Medal.[21] He was also involved in Queensland's 3–0 whitewash in the State of Origin series and 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.

2011

In the NRL, Slater again played for Melbourne Storm. He scored two tries in Round 2 where he broke the record for the number of tries scored for Melbourne Storm, previously held by Matt Geyer. Slater scored a further try in games held in Rounds 5, 6, 8, 21, and 25 and in Rounds 16 and 23, he scored two tries in each game. The Melbourne Storm won the minor premiership, but were defeated by the New Zealand Warriors in the Preliminary Final, ending Slater's season. He was awarded the 2011 Dally M Medal for best and fairest player of the year in the NRL.[22]

Following the awarding of the Dally M Medal, there was commentary about Slater's prowess. Sports reporters Ray Warren said that he "didn't think Slater was as good a player as he had been in the past";[citation needed] while Andrew Johns labelled Slater as the best fullback he has seen.[23]

Slater played in all three 2011 State Of Origin games, as fullback for the Queensland Maroons. He scored in the last 10 minutes of Game I; and scored in the last 15 minutes of Game III, both won by Queensland.

On 3 October, Slater was selected for the Australian Kangaroos, to play as fullback in the 2011 Rugby League Four Nations tournament. While on tour, he was named the Rugby League International Federation's International Player of the Year for the second time.[24] He suffered a collarbone injury and was ruled out of the tournament.

2012

In the 2012 NRL season, Billy Slater scored 16 tries NRL Try Stats, which made him the highest fullback try scorer in the NRL with 140 tries, going past previous holder Rhys Wesser with 129. He scored a try in Melbourne's premiership victory over Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

2013

He scored the first try in Melbourne's 2013 World Club Challenge win over Leeds and also the first try of Melbourne's 2013 season in the Round 1 game against St George Illawarra. Slater also scored a hat-trick against the Brisbane Broncos,on ANZAC Day against the New Zealand Warriors and in a loss against the Canberra Raiders.

Representative Career

Slater made his debut on the wing for QLD in game one of the 2004 State of Origin series. In game two, just days shy of his 21st birthday he was named man of the match after scoring two tries. His second try considered one of the great individual origin tries. Trailing 12-10, Slater latched onto a grubber kick from Darren Lockyer, chip-kicked the ball over Anthony Minichiello, regathering the ball and scoring. Slater was selected for the decider but lost to the Blues in Brad Fittler's final game for New South Wales.

In the 2005, Slater was selected once again but this time in his preferred position as fullback. Queensland would win game one in a nail-biter but were trounced in game two when Andrew Johns returned from a long injury lay-off. Despite scoring a long range intercept, Slater was dropped for game three and replaced by Matt Bowen much to the chagrin of Queensland supporters. Injuries and suspensions kept Slater out of contention for a spot in the Queensland team in 2006 and Karmichael Hunt would cement his place as the Queensland no. 1 for the following year's series.

Slater's phenomenal form for Melbourne lead to selection for Australia for the 2008 anzac test after incumbent Brett Stewart was injured. In state of origin that year, an injury to Darren Lockyer caused a reshuffle in the Queensland backline and the selectors decided to reward Slater's good form with the No.1 jersey while Hunt was given a chance at 5/8 to replace Lockyer. Queensland would lose the game and despite Slater's good performance, Hunt misfired at 5/8 and was given his old job back at fullback for game 2 while Slater was relegated to the interchange.

Queensland squared the ledger in game 2 and no changes were made to the game 3 side, however a broken arm to Scott Prince early in the match meant Slater was brought on to fullback with Hunt again moving into the halves. Slater would end up scoring the match-winning try after Johnathon Thurston broke the line before throwing a pass to Slater in support who scored under the posts uncontested. This was Slater's first origin series victory.

In 2008, Slater was considered the form fullback in the competition narrowly losing out on the Dally M after a points deduction for a fight with Jason Nightingale late in the season cost him the award. At the end of the season, Slater was reward with the fullback spot for the Australian team in the 2008 World cup. Slater would top score with 7 tries in the tournament. A wild pass from Slater in the final deep in his own half gave New Zealand a strangle hold on the match after Benji Marshall intercepted it and scored. In spite of the blunder, Slater was named player of the tournament.

In 2009, with Karmicheal Hunt announcing his intention to play Australian Rules Football the following season, Slater was now the unequivocal no.1 for both Australia and Queensland playing all three games for Queenslands and winning the Four nations with Australia.

From the period of 2009-2013. Slater was the starting fullback for all origin matches except game 3 of 2012 when an injury kept him out of the decider. In 2010, Slater was part of the team that won a clean sweep also being named man of the series. He also scored the match-winner of game one in 2011 and won his second Four Nations series with Australia.

Sponsorship

An established ambassador for adidas, in 2012 Slater appeared as part of a promotional campaign[25] for their F50 adizero III boots alongside Dale Thomas of Aussie Rules and European footballer David Villa

Personal life

Slater lives in Melbourne with his wife, Nicole Slater (née Rose). They were married in Cairns in November 2009[26] and have two children, a daughter, Tyla Rose and a son, Jake.[2][27]

Billy Slater participated in the television show Australia's Greatest Athlete and was the winner for both Season 1 (broadcast on Channel 9) and Season 2 (on Channel 7) against a diverse range of athletes such as Olympic gold medalist Steve Hooker, ironman Ky Hurst and V8 Supercar champions Jamie Whincup and Craig 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]

Statistics

Point Scoring Summary

Melbourne Storm

Year Matches Tries Goals F/G Points
2003 26 19 0 0 76
2004 22 14 0 0 56
2005 21 20 0 0 80
2006 15 5 0 0 20
2007 23 12 0 0 48
2008 24 14 0 0 56
2009 26 18 0 0 72
2010 22 10 0 0 40
2011 24 12 0 0 48
2012 21 16 0 0 64
2012 15 8 0 0 32
Total 239 148 0 0 592

Queensland

Series Matches Tries Goals F/G Points
2004 3 3 0 0 12
2005 2 1 0 0 4
2008 3 1 0 0 4
2009 3 2 0 0 8
2010 3 2 0 0 8
2011 3 2 0 0 8
2012 2 0 0 0 0
2013 2 0 0 0 0
Total 21 11 0 0 44

Australia

Year Matches Tries Goals F/G Points
2008 5 7 0 0 28
2009 4 6 0 0 24
2010 4 3 0 0 12
2011 4 2 0 0 8
2012 1 0 0 0 0
2012 2 0 0 0 0
Total 20 18 0 0 72

Honours

Individual

Melbourne Storm

  • 2006 Grand Final Runners-Up
  • 2007 Grand Final Winners (Stripped)
  • 2008 Grand Final Runners-Up
  • 2009 Grand Final Winners (Stripped)
  • 2012 Grand Final Winners

Accolades

Preceded by Dally M Joint Top Try Scorer in the NRL
2005 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Dally M Fullback 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 Athlete Winner
2009, 2010 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Clive Churchill Medallist
2009 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Dally M Medallist
2011 		Succeeded by

Footnotes

  1. ^ Crawley, Paul (27 January 2011). "All Guns blazing from Billy the Kid". The Daily Telegraph. Australia. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  2. ^ a b Lane, Daniel (6 August 2011). "Slater: Stable upbringing gave me work ethic to be a winner". The Age. Australia. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  3. ^ Masters, Roy (5 July 2005). "Slater axing has fans all at sea". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
  4. ^ Slater's return put on hold. rleague.com. Retrieved on 2012-09-24.
  5. ^ NRL Grand Final Review. league.net.au
  6. ^ Cassidy, Peter (10 September 2008). "Matt Orford beats Slater, Smith to win Dally M". Macquarie National News. Australia. Retrieved 24 November 2008–. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  7. ^ "Slater claim Melbourne Storm club honour". The Sydney Morning Herald. 10 October 2008. Retrieved 24 November 2008.
  8. ^ "Slater wins Golden Boot". Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club. 30 November 2008. Archived from the original on 30 November 2008.
  9. ^ FitzGibbon, Liam (1 August 2008). "Surprises in Kangaroos squad". Fox Sports News. Australia. Retrieved 2 August 2008.
  10. ^ "Veteran Lockyer named in Australian squad". International Herald Tribune. 1 August 2008. Retrieved 2 August 2008.
  11. ^ "Manly six win Australia call-up". BBC News. 7 October 2008. Retrieved 7 October 2008.
  12. ^ "Billy Slater may face baby dilemma". The Age. 5 September 2008. Retrieved 24 November 2008.
  13. ^ "New Zealand humble Kangaroos in World Cup final in Brisbane". Fox Sports News. Australia. 22 November 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  14. ^ Wald, Tom (3 May 2009). "Kangaroos selectors stick by losing World Cup team for New Zealand Test". Fox Sports. Retrieved 3 May 2009.
  15. ^ "Queensland name preliminary State of Origin squad". Fox Sports. Australia. 28 April 2009. Archived from the original on 28 May 2009. Retrieved 28 April 2009.
  16. ^ "South Sydney enforcer Michael Crocker called up for Maroons". Fox Sports. Australia. 26 May 2009. Archived from the original on 28 May 2009. Retrieved 28 May 2009.
  17. ^ 2012 Match Centre. NRL.com (2012-01-06). Retrieved on 2012-09-24.
  18. ^ 2012 Match Centre. NRL.com (2012-01-06). Retrieved on 2012-09-24.
  19. ^ "Slater named Player-of-the-Year". Melbourne Storm News. 9 October 2009. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  20. ^ Jancetic , Steve (15 November 2009). "Slater hat-trick as Kangaroos slaughter England". The Brisbane Times. Australia. AAP. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  21. ^ deKroo, Karl; Ritchie, Dean (22 April 2010). "How Melbourne Storm bought its way to top with salary cap rort". The Courier-Mail. Australia. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  22. ^ a b Honeysett, Stuart (6 September 2011). "Billy Slater fends off late Benji Marshall rush to grab Dally M Medal". The Australian. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  23. ^ Johns, Andrew (8 September 2011). "Slater the best fullback I've seen". Wide World of Sports. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  24. ^ McCullough, Ian (3 November 2011). "Billy Slater named league's best player in the world, NRL makes clean sweep of international awards". Fox Sports (Australia). Retrieved 3 November 2011.
  25. ^ "Billy Slater Hits Barcelona To Promote The New adidas F50s". RugbyBoots.net. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  26. ^ "Billy Slater, Nicole Rose in Cairns wedding". The Cairns Post. Australia. 29 November 2009. Retrieved 29 November 2009.
  27. ^ Chamberlin, Thomas (29 October 2008). "Billy Slater's baby joy". The Cairns Post. Australia. Retrieved 25 November 2008.

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