NRL legend Billy Slater takes up pivotal role at St Kilda

The Melbourne Storm great, who ended his NRL career after the grand final, has taken a pivotal role at St Kilda.

Billy Slater during the NRL grand final at ANZ Stadium. Picture: AAP

Melbourne Storm great Billy Slater will switch codes to take a pivotal role at St Kilda in the club’s development and leadership programs.

The rugby league legend, who ended his career when a member of the Storm side beaten by the Sydney Roosters in the NRL grand final, has taken up a part-time position with the Saints.

St Kilda’s general manager of football Simon Lethlean said that Slater, who will join the club next month, would be of great benefit to a club that struggled in 2018.

The Saints finished in 16th position with just four wins and a draw for the season.

“Billy’s sporting resume is second to none, and he will add great value to our club,” Lethlean said.

“He’s been an impressive leader in his own right, but he’s also been a key member of a culture that is highly respected across all sports.

“Over the course of the season, we identified that there was an opportunity to strengthen our leadership and development programs, and we think Billy can play an important role in that.

“He will work closely with our current leaders as well as our emerging leaders to help them develop their leadership capacity and optimise their professionalism and performance.”