Knee surgery, a late start to pre-season and the possibility of playing no trial games before round one.
It doesn’t sound like the ideal scenario for Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater.
But the World Cup-winning superstar is used to abbreviated pre-season campaigns.
The 30-year-old says even if he doesn’t get out on the paddock for a trial game, he’ll be ready to take on arch rivals Manly in round one at Brookvale Oval on March 8.
“The knee’s going along alright. I’ve had a couple of runs this week which is pretty much ahead of schedule,” Slater told reporters on Thursday.
Slater battled a knee injury during the World Cup but was able to give a sensational two-try performance in the winning side in the final against New Zealand last November in Manchester, England.
“I’m still pencilled in for round one,” Slater said.
And he added that a late pre-season start is nothing new.
“Probably in the last six years that has been that case. We’ve had short pre-seasons and come back in January,” he said.
“Even though we start the season a little bit under done, you need to do it.
“The season is that long and with the Origin period in the middle of the year, you can get a little bit stale and get flat.
“It’s important that we do have that break and freshen right up.
“We’ve got a trial up in Brisbane against the Bulldogs two weeks before the season starts. If I’m okay I’ll put my hand up for probably half a game there.
“But I’m not too worried about that. If I need that extra fortnight to really make sure my knee’s okay for round one, I will.”
Slater says playing in round one is always a major goal during pre-season, but the motivation is particularly strong against the Sea Eagles.
“We’ve had a great history with Manly, played a few grand finals against each other and some big preliminary finals as well,” he said.
“There’s a great rivalry there and one that we respect their side and I’m sure they respect us.
“It’s always a physical and tough game against Manly so you always want to be a part of those ones.”
