Billy Slater to mentor emerging Melbourne Storm fulbacks when NRL preseason starts next month

BILLY Slater’s retirement from NRL doesn’t mean an end to his involvement with Melbourne Storm and the game he loves so dearly. Gilbert Gardiner has the lowdown on what comes next.

BILLY Slater will move straight into a part-time coaching role at Melbourne Storm when preseason begins next month.

Slater, 35, who retired at the end of the season, will help new assistant coach Marc Brentnall coordinate the team attack as well as mentor the club’s emerging fullbacks and wingers.

New Zealand debutant Jahrome Hughes looks set to step into Slater’s boots next season, but Storm football director Frank Ponissi expects Scott Drinkwater and Ryan Papenhuyzen to put in bids for the coveted No. 1 jersey.

“Going into the new season you’d say Hughes would be the favourite,” Ponissi said.

“But the fact that he’s missing for a fair chunk of the preseason (Kiwis commitments) gives Scott Drinkwater and Ryan Papenhuizen a bit of an opening.

“Especially Drinkwater after a really good season, but at the same time, if Hughes locks in the No. 1 spot for New Zealand then again that gives him a bit of kudos as well. It’s open.

“If you had to pick a team next week you’d go Jahrome Hughes at this stage but you certainly wouldn’t rule out anyone.”

Melbourne's Billy Slater will retain a role with the club through retirement Picture. Phil Hillyard

The Storm rotated halfbacks last season, trying to settle on Cronk’s replacement, and coach Craig Bellamy could be faced with an equally daunting task cementing the fullback role.

Drinkwater will get every chance after an “outstanding” season in reserve grade.

The speedster, who boasts an electric skills and try-scoring abilities, starred on debut in Slater’s absence for the last home-and-away game.

“He won that Cooper Cronk Medal in a canter,” Ponissi said.

“He was the best and most consistent player that we sent back to either the (Sunshine Coast) Falcons or the (Easts) Tigers. He was unlucky not to win the Q-Cup player of the year.

“He played in a beaten team here against Penrith and was one of our best players.”

The club yesterday announced five re-signings, including Drinkwater (2020), Justin Olam (2020), Kayleb Milne (2020), Hughes (2021) and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (2023).

Scott Drinkwater dazzled on debut in Round 25 loss to Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park. Picture: Getty

Drinkwater will be among the first wave of Storm players back in training on November 15.

Giant prop Asofa-Solomona (ankle) will also return early after being forced out of the Kiwis’ squad with injury.

“He’s got a high ankle sprain to the other leg (right) that he was out for (left) at the back end of the season,” Ponissi said.

“It’s a four-to-six-week injury... but he will be back ready to train for the later part of November.”

Veteran Will Chambers will return at the end of November, while Kangaroos Cameron Munster and Felise Kaufusi are set to report in December.

The Kiwis quartet, including the Bromwich brothers and Brandon Smith, and Cameron Smith will start training in January.

Originally published as Billy Slater to mentor emerging Melbourne Storm fulbacks when NRL preseason starts next month