Broncos coach Wayne Bennett reveals how he missed out on signing Billy Slater

WAYNE Bennett has revealed his failed attempt at poaching Billy Slater from Melbourne during his premiership-winning years as Broncos coach.

Wayne Bennett has revealed how he missed out on Billy Slater. (Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

WAYNE Bennett has revealed his failed attempt at poaching Billy Slater from Melbourne during his premiership-winning years as Broncos coach.

On the eve of Slater’s comeback against the Broncos, Bennett has broken a 15-year silence on how close he came to signing the champion Storm fullback.

Slater has carved out a glittering career in Melbourne, winning three premierships and overcoming two shoulder operations to post his 279th NRL game in Storm colours.

But if Bennett had his way, Slater would have ascended to greatness at the Broncos after meeting with the young gun in 2002 during his embryonic years at Melbourne.

BILLY HAS STORM BUZZING

THE HIDDEN SIDE TO SLATER’S RETURN

A teenage Slater playing for Norths in 2006. Photo: Glenn Barnes

Slater was a 19-year-old Queensland Cup tyro on a $5000 deal with Storm feeder-club Norths Devils when he was summoned for a meeting with Broncos coach Bennett.

It is widely believed the Broncos failed to identify Slater in their development backyard, but Bennett confirmed he made a play for the rookie who became the code’s greatest fullback.

“I met with Billy and spoke to him on one occasion,” said Bennett as the Broncos prepare to rain on Slater’s parade.

“He seemed like a good young kid, he was playing at Norths and we called him in for a chat. You don’t approach them if you don’t think they can have a good career at the Broncos.

“I wouldn’t say he was a standout in the Queensland Cup, which is a tough competition, and I don’t remember there being huge wraps on him at the time, but he was a good player.

“We made him no great offer and I don’t think Melbourne really made a great offer either, but he had an opportunity to go to the Storm and he took that rather than coming to the Broncos.

“You can’t get them all, so you don’t beat yourself up when you miss out.”

At the time, Darren Lockyer was Brisbane’s fullback. Two years later, Lockyer shifted into the halves in a move that would have opened the fullback door for Slater at the Broncos.

On Thursday night, the careers of Slater and Bennett intersect at AAMI Park and the veteran Broncos coach admits he would have relished mentoring the Storm ace.

“Billy is one guy I would have liked to coach,” Bennett said. “He’s one of the great players of the game but unfortunately you can’t coach them all.

“The Broncos had a lot of talent at the time and he just couldn’t find a place here. But just what he brings to a team, he’s not hard to deal with and he has a great attitude to everything he does.”

Bennett said calls for the 33-year-old Slater to be reinstated to the Queensland Origin side this season, if fit, are premature.

“It’s not realistic. It’s about Billy getting back to football and see how he goes,” Bennett said. “You don’t pick up after two years out with a serious injury and go back to where you were.

“The process has to start for him and he’s coming back, he will have done everything he possibly can to make sure he’s prepared. But nothing prepares you like playing.”

Slater’s return is good news for everyone in rugby league. Photo: Colleen Petch

Storm skipper Cameron Smith admits Slater will be plagued by nerves when he runs out after a 374-day absence from the game.

“He has spent a lot of time out of the game. This isn’t a minor injury, it could affect his life after football,” Smith said.

“But Billy is the type of guy who once he crosses the white line, he doesn’t worry about his body, he just gives 100 per cent.”