Frustrated fullback Billy Slater is still hopeful of playing in Melbourne’s NRL opener against St George Illawarra as his shoulder slowly recovers.

Slater has started contact work but is still no certainty despite undergoing surgery last June and being sidelined since.

“I hope to be there but I can’t give you a definitive answer as I still have to jump through a few hurdles,” Slater said.

Meanwhile Blake Green and Jesse Bromwich have been added to Melbourne’s leadership group for the 2016 season.

Cameron Smith will remain as Storm captain, while Green and Bromwich will join the well-established Cooper Cronk and Slater as leaders of the squad.