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Billy Slater

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Billy Slater
Slater in 2009, displaying his Clive Churchill Medal
Personal information
Height178 cm (5 ft 10 in)
Weight86 kg (13 st 8 lb)
Playing information
PositionFullback
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2003– Melbourne Storm 178 112 0 0 448
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2004– Queensland 12 8 0 0 32
2008– Australia 9 13 0 0 52
As of 16 July 2010 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. In 2008, Slater was voted the best player in the world, winning the Golden Boot Award and the RLIF Awards international player of the year. In 2009, he was the winner of the television game show Australia's Greatest Athlete as well as the Clive Churchill Medal. He successfully defended his title in the second series of Australia's Greatest Athlete.

Early career

Slater began playing rugby league for the Brothers club in Innisfail, Queensland at only four years old. He continued to make the Innisfail representative side every season until his final year with the club.

At fifteen years of age he became bored with league so he quit to concentrate on one of his other passions, riding horses. He also worked with the famous Waterhouse stable.

He began to play league again after returning home and early in 2001 he drove 20 hours to Brisbane to trial with the Norths Devils. He was offered a contract and after two impressive seasons in the Queensland Cup, he was offered a spot on the Melbourne Storm playing roster.

Professional career

Slater commenced playing for the Melbourne Storm in 2003. He has consistently performed since then.

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 couldn't 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.

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). [citation needed]

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, he played in his first grand final, where, despite losing to the Brisbane Broncos, he played a fine game.[2]

2007 season

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

Slater had a quiet start to the 2007 season. In round 11, 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, 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.[3]

Days after playing in the 2008 NRL Grand Final defeat to Manly, he was named the Melbourne club's Player of the Year.[4]

He capped off a brilliant year by winning the Rugby League World Golden Boot Award as the best player in the world.[5]

World Cup

In August 2008, Slater was named in the preliminary 46-man Kangaroos squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup,[6][7] and in October 2008 he was selected in the final 24-man Australia squad but hesitated playing since he was expecting his first child.[8][9] 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.[10] He was also the competition's top tryscorer with 7.

2009

He was selected for Australia in the one-off test match against New Zealand on 8 May 2009.[11]

In April 2009, he was named in the preliminary 25 man squad to represent Queensland in the opening State of Origin match for 2009,[12] and was subsequently picked at fullback for the opening State of Origin match.[13] Billy was the first try scorer in the 2009 State of Origin Series.

Slater notched up his 100th try in Melbourne's 40–10 defeat of the Brisbane Broncos in the preliminary final,[14] 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.[15]

The next week he was named Melbourne's Player of the Year making it the second consecutive year he won the award.[16] 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, making up for his mistake in the World Cup in 2008.[17]

2010

Slater gets to keep his Clive Churchill Medal.[18] He Was also involved in Queensland's 3-0 Whitewash in the State of Origin and also received the Wally Lewis Medal for Player of the series

Personal life

Slater lives in Melbourne with his wife, Nicole Slater. They were married in Cairns in November 2009.[19] They have two children, a daughter, Tyla Rose and a son,Jake.[20]

He has also won Australia's Greatest Athlete (Australian TV Game Show) twice in a row.

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 20 20 0 0 80
2006 14 5 0 0 20
2007 22 12 0 0 48
2008 23 14 0 0 56
2009 26 18 0 0 72
2010 8 2 0 0 8
Total 162 104 0 0 416

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
Total 11 7 0 0 28

Australia

Year Matches Tries Goals F/G Points
2008 5 7 0 0 28
2009 4 6 0 0 24
Total 9 13 0 0 52

Honours

Individual

Melbourne Storm

  • 2006 Grand Final Runners-Up
  • 2007 Grand Final Winners (stripped of premiership)
  • 2008 Grand Final Runners-Up
  • 2009 Grand Final Winners (stripped of premiership)

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
Incumbent
Preceded by Clive Churchill Medallist
2009 		Succeeded by
Incumbent

Footnotes

  1. ^ studies claim that locky james smith is billy slaters step brother a=BLOG_VIEWENTRY&blogID=132818', Sportpulse.com Biography retrieved 26 May 2010
  2. ^ http://www.league.net.au/nrl-grand-final-review/
  3. ^ Peter Cassidy (10 Sep 2008). "Matt Orford beats Slater, Smith to win Dally M". Macquarie National News. Retrieved 24 Nov 2008–. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ "Slater claim Melbourne Storm club honour". The Sydney Morning Herald. 10 October 2008. Retrieved 24 November 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ "Slater wins Golden Boot". Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club. 30 November 2008. Archived from the original on 30 November 2008.
  6. ^ Liam FitzGibbon (1 August 2008). "Surprises in Kangaroos squad". "Fox Sports News (Australia)". Retrieved 2 August 2008.
  7. ^ "Veteran Lockyer named in Australian squad". International Herald Tribune. 1 August 2008. Retrieved 2 August 2008.
  8. ^ "Manly six win Australia call-up". BBC. 7 October 2008. Retrieved 7 October 2008.
  9. ^ "Billy Slater may face baby dilemma". The Age. 5 September 2008. Retrieved 24 November 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ "New Zealand humble Kangaroos in World Cup final in Brisbane". Fox Sports News (Australia). 22 November 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ Wald, Tom (3 May 2009). "Kangaroos selectors stick by losing World Cup team for New Zealand Test". Fox Sports. Retrieved 3 May 2009.
  12. ^ "Queensland name preliminary State of Origin squad". Fox Sports. 28 April 2009. Archived from the original on 28 May 2009. Retrieved 28 April 2009.
  13. ^ "South Sydney enforcer Michael Crocker called up for Maroons". Fox Sports. 26 May 2009. Archived from the original on 28 May 2009. Retrieved 28 May 2009.
  14. ^ http://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/scores/tabid/10240/roundid/831/fixtureid/5798/infotabid/4/default.aspx
  15. ^ http://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/telstrapremiershipscores/tabid/10240/roundid/833/fixtureid/5801/infotabid/3/default.aspx
  16. ^ http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=20709
  17. ^ http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/league/slater-hattrick-as-kangaroos-slaughter-england-20091115-ifx9.html
  18. ^ http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/how-melbourne-storm-bought-its-way-to-top-with-salary-cap-rort/story-e6frep66-1225857165083
  19. ^ "Billy Slater, Nicole Rose in Cairns wedding". The Cairns Post. 29 November 2009. Retrieved 29 November 2009.
  20. ^ Thomas Chamberlin (29 October 2008). "Billy Slater's baby joy". The Cairns Post. Retrieved 25 November 2008.

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