Is this the end for Slater?

[magpie4ever]

Sadly it could be. Not a Melbourne or Queensland fan but he is the best fullback I've ever seen. Would have made it in any era and you can't say that about many players.

 

[Exsilium]

It would be a real shame if Billy Slater had to retire following the latest setback. He is the best fullback I've seen by a long margin. His body might be giving out on him but I would take an 80% or 90% Slater over most fullbacks running around today.

I don't think this will be the end of him. I think he'll go back to rehab, get his shoulder right, see out the year and go to the ESL When he does it may be a changing of the guard with Cooper Cronk and Smith the last of the big three. Although, I think Smith will keep going for years to come.

The next couple years are going to be tough for fans of league with so many household names who will be retiring.

Also, at 1% fitness Billy Slater is still better than Mann.

 

[JamesRustle]

Was it the tackle from Packer that broke him?

 

[Eion]

He's just homesick.

 

[Last Week]

I don't think hea done. It's his shoulder and I'm sure this is the first time he's injured his shoulder. He's still recovering well from injuries, he's still fit and he's still got his speed.

I agree with others and think this will actually help him. It'll give his body a long time to rest and fully recover.

 

[some11]

Wasn't into league when Mini was cut down by injury but Slater has earned the right to at least go out on his own terms like Mini did.

Does it seem like a similar situation?

 

[fourplay]

Is this the end for Slater?

You should never count a true legend of the game out, especially in his early 30's. Just think back to how Jason Smith made a successful comeback for the Cowboys at the age of 35.

 

[Knightmare]

You should never count a true legend of the game out, especially in his early 30's. Just think back to how Jason Smith made a successful comeback for the Cowboys at the age of 35.

Who?

Anyway, I reckon Slater should go to the Knights- the new destination for players whose rep days are over. Get more players like that at Newcastle and while I reckon they'll lose the battle, they'll win the war.

 

[Bandwagon]

It'll depend on the damage to his body, I wouldn't count Slater out if it was entirely up to Slater himself, but grit and determination can only carry you so far. If the damage done leaves him highly susceptible to the same injury or worse, or adversely affects his strength long term, you'd have to question why he would continue.

He has nothing left to prove, insurance will see him paid out of his contract, and under those circumstances there's no big payday last contract.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

When there's a guy who is probably going to offer more in terms of his on-field performances, the odds are he probably shouldn't get back. Munster's time is now and when Slater comes back, he probably shouldn't command a spot. There's enough leadership in that team already. And with Green/Cronk going so well in the halves, there's no chance of doing a Lockyer, especially this late in his career.

Wonderful career. I'd say it's on its last legs, yeah.

 

[thorson1987]

I don't think hea done. It's his shoulder and I'm sure this is the first time he's injured his shoulder. He's still recovering well from injuries, he's still fit and he's still got his speed.

I agree with others and think this will actually help him. It'll give his body a long time to rest and fully recover.

This is the 3rd time with the same shoulder.

He missed most of last year because of it too.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

The curse of the Ion 4 sponsorship strikes again.

 

[TheDalek079]

Parra will offer him a shitload of money

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Was it the tackle from Packer that broke him?

Vatuvei absolutely poleaxed him last year too, is it the same shoulder?

Slater won't go to another club. None of their big stars will. They didn't have to give back their speedboats and sneaky cash, and jobs in the media/club will be forthcoming straight away.

 

[Bobby DIGital]

He's an old, and now injury prone man in a young man's position. He's done. Even if he does come back, he'll never be the same again.

 

[moffla]

He will play one more season (well, he will try to). I don't blame him. This is his profession and hanging up the boots in this fashion would be the last option for him. I'd back him in for one final year

 

[Johnnie Red]

He'll be back next year, I can't seem him finishing his career like this.

 

[juro]

Don't worry about him. He just needs more powerade. Worked for Mitchell Johnson, didn't it?

 

[PANTHERMIKE]

Never nice to see someone go out via injury.

That said, he is still a dirty (unt of a player and can go f**k himself.

 

[Hutty1986]

A magnificent player in his prime, his grubby behaviour and salary cap indiscretions will taint his legacy but easily one of the best fullbacks to have played the game