Overview:
In his 12th season with Melbourne Storm, Billy Slater continued to be one of the game’s most damaging fullbacks.
The 31-year old finished the year with 12 tries, the second most out of any Storm player for 2014, time and time again displaying his trademark ability to place himself in the right positions in attack.
Slater became the third Melbourne Storm player in Club history to reach 250 games in Round 2 and also joined Queensland mid year for a ninth Origin campaign with the Maroons.
Later in the season the nimble fullback moved into rugby league’s all time elite, jumping into third position of the game’s all time try scorers.
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With Slater’s attacking ability such a potent weapon for Craig Bellamy’s side, the fullback’s diligence in defence often goes unnoticed. In 2014, Slater’s organisation and protection of his side’s defensive line was at its best, finishing the year ranked as the Club’s number one player for tries saved in open play, with 17.
Slater achieved all this while managing a right AC joint injury since Origin 1 in May. Slater will undergo surgery to repair the joint over the off-season and be ready for the start of Storm's 2015 season.
2014 Stats:
|
Games: |
Tries: |
Points: |
Tackles: |
Hit-ups: |
Offloads: |
Slater |
22 |
12 |
48 |
125 |
303 |
22 |
2014 ‘Moment’:
With Storm’s Round 10 fixture with the Rabbitohs in the balance, Billy Slater’s 55th minute try helped Melbourne to a crucial away victory in the context of their season. His second four pointer of the evening, Slater’s incisive run cut through South Sydney before two dummies set him through for a try.
