Minichiello (in his prime) > Slater

[Marshall_magic]

7 weeks for deliberate kicking Skando in the head

Then he ran away when the great man got up.

 

[Aragorn]

Gary Belcher>Billy Slater>Little Mini

 

[Big Pete]

If you really want to get into it, it's a tough debate.

How much does the Storm controversy taint Slater? 5 seasons in total, do you ignore his club form for all those years or do you count it?

If you accept Slater's career on face value I believe he's the better player based on having a longer peak (2008-present) compared to Minichiello (2003-05).

Both had their strengths and weaknesses, for mine, that's what splits them.

Slater vs. Lockyer would make for a better debate.

 

[851]

Think what you like about the man,but as a footballer Mini isn't even close,Slater is a freak,and is unparrelled in the last 30 years,maybe in the history of league in the country,daylight is second.

 

[Cliffhanger]

I think Slater is definitely a more gifted player, but when it comes to performing the role of a fullback, you cannot ignore Mini's skill. In his prime Minichiello would never drop a bomb, averaged more than 180 metres per game and his kick returns were phenomenal. Would he have become an even player if not for injury? Who knows, the reality is he did get injured and was never quite the same after returning.

At least he got a premiership, a minor premiership, played for Australia, and played for NSW when they won three series in a row, and a golden boot award.

 

[Big Pete]

In his prime Minichiello would never drop a bomb,

Untrue.

While all things even he was safer than Billy, Mini had some shockers with his hands. Particularly in 03 and the Grand Final.

 

[Fire]

I wouldn't mind hearing some of the old-timers thoughts on Langlands v Slater.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

so tell me the other fullbacks that have 15-20 try assists a year?

Hayne had like 24 last year and already has 12 this year playing in the worst team in the comp...

 

[Parra Pride]

so tell me the other fullbacks that have 15-20 try assists a year?

Jarryd Hayne.

 

[mongoose]

Mini was phenomenal in his prime but Slater is just something else.

Mini was a better kick returner, I'll give him that but Slater's positioning in attack and defence is far superior. It's what he does when he doesn't have the ball in hand that makes him the best ever.

 

[Fire]

Kyle Stanley > every other full-back to have ever played the game

 

[Cliffhanger]

Obviously an exaggeration, but he was generally safe. Even Shifcofvske dropped the occasional bomb (eg Round 21 2003)

Minichiello was safer than Billy under the high ball, averaged a lot more kick return metres

Slater is a more gifted footballer, but in his prime Minichiello was the better fullback.

 

[Light Reflections]

So Slater (in his prime) > Minichiello (in his prime)?

 

[Big Pete]

Mini was safer, but not as much as people make out.

Mini's entire 03 was a bit spotty under the high ball & Noa's stats. are pretty damming afterwards.

By the same token, Mini's playmaking skills don't get enough credit. I thought he was just as pivotal as Lockyer in the 04 Tri Nations final

[youtube]wXGkdD9dIY4[/youtube]

and was developing it nicely in 2006 before he went down with that terrible back injury.

 

[Cletus]

Mini was brilliant at kick returns, usually broke the first tackle. Completely different player after he did his back.

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

Cant really go wrong with either player. They both are great.

Personally, if choosing a team and these two were in their prime id go Mini because he was so reliable.

But the way Slater's speed is used is very hard to combat. He can maintain great speed when he changes direction which just splits the defence where as Mini would just get past players with his power.

They're both better then each other at certain things but neither were bad in any part of their game.

 

[Pedge1971]

Mini was phenomenal in his prime but Slater is just something else.

Mini was a better kick returner, I'll give him that but Slater's positioning in attack and defence is far superior. It's what he does when he doesn't have the ball in hand that makes him the best ever.

Slaters stupid brain explosions have lost test matches for Australia on his own. Mini, Garry Jack, Brasher, Belcher, Eadie, Brad Godden FFs have been safe as houses for Australia for years before Billy and we never lost anything....ever!

Billy Slater is gifted but flawed. Great club player but hot and cold on the big stage. Isnt and never will be the best ever.

Cannot wait for the Qld rage!!!

 

[LeagueNut]

Greg Inglis (in his prime) > Slater

 

[whall15]

Slater's record will always be tainted because he was part of a cheating Storm side, rightly or wrongly.

 

[The Brain]

Look Slater is a complete footballer and both can do freakish things on their days .Mini could always be guilty of occasional clumsiness.
But saying that between 02-o4 (o2 was winger) Mini's meters gained was phenomenal he was always up around the near 300m gained mark .His back injury was severe but he battled through almost lost 4 years where most footy players wouldve faded away .Put him in the two top sides and he scores 4 tries a week .
Billy is a well balanced player times his attack and reads plays where Mini will just plug away.
Slater will be an immortal one day .