I am old enough to see the likes of Thornett, Eadie, Langlands, Les Johns and Minichiello. I remember seeing Langlands play and he would fit right into the modern era, he did things that blew your mind, but he was like all players of that era, an opportunist (and a bloody good one).
Slater, in my opinion, has just now pipped Langlands as you can see it in the crowd in the same way that they reacted to Bozo Fulton and Brett Kenny, whenever he gets the ball the crowd tenses up on what he will do.
In the early part of his career he too was greedy and careless, now you will see as many try assists and saves to his name as you will see tries, this what stands him apart from Langlands.
Slater is now at the point in his career when Langlands retired - will he be an immortal - ask me in 20 years.
Those who hate him would drool to have him on their team as they know the confidence he brings to a backline.
I must add that it is a pity that Minichiello has had that bad back injury - we might be talking about him in the same vein.