Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater reveals what keeps him motivated ahead of 300th NRL game

OVER his 299-game NRL career, Billy Slater has endured the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But the champion fullback says it’s the pain that got him this far.

Slater knows pain just as much as success. (Tim Carrafa)

BILLY Slater has been shaped by adversity.

Over his 299-game NRL career, the champion fullback has endured the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.

But as he prepares to play his 300th game on Saturday, the Melbourne Storm star says it is the heartache that has helped him get to this point more than his success.

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Slater knows pain just as much as success. (Tim Carrafa)

“If you’re always successful, you probably get used to it and that feeling becomes numb,” he said.

“But when you have that rollercoaster ride and go through a bit of adversity, those good times taste that little bit sweeter.

“Anyone who has played 300 games has never had it smooth sailing ... everyone has their ups and downs.

“To play 300 games you’ve got to go through a lot of hard work and a lot of heartache and pick yourself up off the canvas.”

A baby-faced Slater starts his NRL career in 2003.

Slater’s pains and glories have been well-documented.

He has won eight State of Origin series with Queensland and come out victorious in two grand finals with Melbourne in 2012 and 2017.

He has also felt the heartbreak of having another two grand final titles stripped away after the Storm were found cheating the salary cap.

He has worn the green and gold for his country on 30 occasions but also spent nearly two years out of the game with shoulder injuries.

For the 34-year-old — who does not know when he will be ready to give the game away — every part of this ride has been worth it.

But the moment he treasures the most is his debut. It’s an appropriate game to hold dear, given his belief that a bit of adversity leads to better times.

Slater has also achieved the game’s highest honours. (Brett Costello)

It’s exactly how his first 80 minutes of NRL football played out.

“It’s my favourite moment in my career,” Slater said of his debut.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be involved in a lot of good moments in my career but my first ever game in Round 1 2003, I still remember it.

“I was running around in a jersey that was about three times too big for me.

“We were 22-0 down after 20 minutes and I thought it might be my last game. But we dug ourselves off the canvas and came back and won the game.

“It was one of my proudest moments to know I had actually played an NRL game ... It was one to remember, definitely.”

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Even before Saturday’s clash with the Tigers, Slater faced a small hiccup due to another minor shoulder injury.

He could have reached his 300th milestone last week against the Bulldogs in Perth but did not want to risk further damage.

For Slater, it was just another week of waiting. He knew his 300th would come eventually.

“What I went through (with his shoulder injuries) and my family went through and the people around me, to come out the other side and enjoy that success, it definitely makes you feel good,” he said.

“I’ll be very proud to play 300 games.”