Billy Slater and Cameron Smith to be immortalised with statues at AAMI Park

WITH Billy Slater ruling out a retirement backflip and Cameron Smith’s future under a cloud, the Victorian government and the Storm have moved to honour the legendary duo with statues outside AAMI Park.

Cameron Smith and Billy Slater with Melbourne fans after the grand final loss. Picture: Getty

MELBOURNE Storm legend Billy Slater has flatly ruled out a surprise backflip on retirement, content to be stepping out of the game after 319 NRL appearances.

Hundreds of Storm fans welcomed back the grand finalists on Monday less than 12 hours after their 15-point mauling at the hands of bitter rivals Sydney Roosters.

Despite the loss and belief he could play on, Slater, 35, is genuinely excited about life after football.

“No. No. I’m done,” Slater said.

“It’s my time. I have no doubt that I could play another year but I’ve had my fair share of serious injuries and to be able to walk away from the game healthy and fit I see it as a great opportunity.

Melbourne Storm legends Cameron Smith and Billy Slater will be immortalised with statues outside AAMI Park. Picture: AAP

“I’ve achieved everything that I’ve set out to do and if I went on it’d be purely just to play and that’s OK but for me it’s time.”

Slater amassed 134 metres in his NRL swansong despite coming under all sorts of pressure.

The Roosters really went after the speedster physically, while Clive Churchill medallist Luke Keary’s perfectly executed bombs kept Slater pegged back deep in his own territory.

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Slater copped the wrath of the parochial Rooster fans throughout the decider.

But the Immortal-in-waiting said he had no problem with the merciless attention.

“You play at away grounds and they’re passionate supporters,” Slater said.

“If Wally Lewis can cop boos (then) I’ll be OK with it.”

The state government, in partnership with the Storm, confirmed both Slater and Smith would be immortalised with statues outside AAMI Park.

Melbourne Storm legends Cameron Smith and Billy Slater will be immortalised with statues outside AAMI Park. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m really proud of the contribution that I’ve made to rugby league in this state and to have a statue of Cameron and myself out the front of AAMI Park is something that I’m really proud of,” Slater said.

“My kids will be able to grow up in this town and see their dad and what their dad’s done for our game in this state. Excited to see what it looks like, but it will be good.”

Slater also stopped short of fuelling the contractual impasse between Cameron Smith and the Storm.

Smith dropped the bombshell last week that he has considered the possibility of retirement.

While Slater expects Smith to play on, the Storm icon will not be putting any pressure on him to re-sign.

Billy Slater and Cameron Smith after the 2017 grand final winPicture. Brett Costello

“Who am I to tell Cameron Smith what to do with his life,” Slater said.

“If he decides to go on well he’s got every right to do that, he’s still playing tremendous football.

“If he feels it’s the time to hang it up and finish up this year… who are we to tell him what to do.

“I haven’t had a conversation with him or anything like that but I think his intentions were to play on. Whether that’s changed then I’m not sure.”

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Originally published as Billy Slater and Cameron Smith to be immortalised with statues at AAMI Park