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Slater, Billy |
  Billy SLATER [Player Stats] + Submit additional information or a correction to this player 
Slater puts his hand up for Kangaroos selection Fri April 11, 2008 Source: www.melbournestorm.com.au Storm fullback Billy Slater thrust his name right into Kangaroo calculations with yet another best-on-ground performance tonight, helping his team to an emphatic 26-4 mauling of the Manly Sea Eagles at Olympic Park. Slater's two-try performance, not to mention his bullet-like pass to winger Anthony Quinn to set him up for his try, did not go unnoticed by his coach Craig Bellamy. "Thank God he's playing for us," said Bellamy at the post-match press conference. "Certainly his first half tonight when he scored those two tries. I don't know what else to say about him to be quite honest. "As I've said a thousand times, and it's certainly no disrespect to any other fullback in the competition, because there's such a good batch out there, we're just glad he's playing for us." The clash marked the grand final rematch between the teams, with Manly seeking revenge on the reigning premiers. With the Sea Eagles and the Storm in 5th and 6th place respectively on the NRL ladder, both teams went into the match looking to put a stamp on their 2008 season. The Storm began the match having won only two of their past six clashes against the Sea Eagles, and up against a defensive unit that had only conceded five tries in their first four games of the season, they could have been forgiven for thinking this one was going to be a tough assignment. History was disregarded in the opening half as it was dominated by the strength and speed of the Storm, with a relentless and methodical defence keeping the Sea Eagles scoreless at the half- time break. A little bit of magic from Slater opened Melbourne's account early with a strong try from the fullback putting the Storm out in front. Cameron Smith failed to convert following the opening try, leaving Melbourne with a 4-0 lead. The Storm did not take long to punish to Sea Eagles again, with Greg Inglis driving through the Manly defenders to give Melbourne their second try in a matter of minutes. Smith's kick was good to put the Storm out to a handy lead of 10-0. A great centering kick from Will Chambers set the Storm up for their third try in the opening half with the lightning speed and skill of Slater allowing the Storm to increase their lead to 14-0. Manly had a horror start to the second term, with errors in possession setting up the Storm to open the scoring, making it virtually impossible for Manly to get themselves back into the game. In what looked to be a simple training drill, the Storm linked up with brilliant execution to see Anthony Quinn score his fourth try in two weeks, courtesy of a final ball from Slater that the best halfbacks in the competition would have been proud of. The video referee denied the Sea Eagles their first scoring opportunity, deciding that Inglis' tackle prevented Bell from clearly putting the ball down over the line. Manly's horror night worsened with the Storm being awarded a penalty kick; Smith easily converted to extend the home side's lead. Just when Manly coach Des Hasler thought the night couldn't get any worse for his Sea Eagles, Ryan Hoffman received an impressive pass from Cooper Cronk to score the Storm's fifth try of the night. Smith's kicking was online yet again to put the Storm out to an impressive 26-0 lead as the match drew to a close. The Sea Eagles were able to salvage some respect in the final minutes of the game with Michael Barney scoring Manly's first and only try closing the gap to 26-4. Manly's disappointing performance was exemplified with Orford failing to convert leaving Manly to trail the Storm by 22 points. At the final siren, the scoreboard showed 26-4 in favour of the Storm, and signalling a return of the Melbourne side's top form. STORM 26 (Tries: Slater 2, Inglis, Quinn, Hoffman; Goals: Smith 3) def. SEA EAGLES 4 (Try: Barney) at Olympic Park. News sent by: www.melbournestorm.com.au Slater back for Storm Tue July 3, 2007 Source: www.melbournestorm.com.au Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has named a 17-man squad for this Saturday's Round 17 clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The game will be played at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford from 5:30pm. After Melbourne had the bye last weekend, they extended their lead at the top of the NRL ladder to four points thanks to Manly's upset 26-22 loss to the Dragons. Bellamy has named all five of his Origin representatives in the starting line-up, hoping they get through Wednesday's State-of-Origin clash in Brisbane unscathed. Billy Slater returns from injury to take his place at fullback, having recovered from two facial fractures he sustained in the Storm's Round 11 clash against the Sea Eagles in Sydney. Steve Turner, who has been deputising for Slater at fullback, will take his place on the wing. With Cooper Cronk still suffering from an ankle injury, James Aubusson has been named to start at halfback. Israel Folau has not recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained against St George-Illawarra and won't take his place in the squad. Squad for Saturday's game: Starting team: 1. Billy Slater 2. Matt Geyer 3. Matt King 4. Anthony Quinn 5. Steve Turner 6. Greg Inglis 7. James Aubusson 8. Ben Cross 9. Cameron Smith 10. Brett White 11. Clint Newton 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Dallas Johnson Interchange: 14. Jeff Lima 15. Adam Blair 16. Jeremy Smith 17. Sam Tagataese Coach: Craig Bellamy News sent by: www.melbournestorm.com.au
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