Yesterday one of if not the greatest fullback of all time retired from representative football effective immediately at the conclusion of this years State of Origin Series. Slater revolutionized the fullback position in many ways, starting his career as a devasting ball runner who could find space in any defensive line using his unbelievable speed and evasion skills he then morphed in to the complete package later in his career adding in a deft passing game, kicking, and perhaps his greatest skill his defense and organisation from the back.
Slater burst on to the scene in Origin with 'that try' as a 20 year old in 2004 from a chip and chase off a Darren Lockyer and from then on a star had been born. It took him to about 2008 to really cement himself in the star studded Queensland backline but from then on has been one of the States best and most reliable and durable players. He becomes only the 10th Queensland player to reach the magical 30 game milestone in Game 1 of this series.
During Qlds unprecedented 12 year reign of dominance winning 11 series in this time one of the most under rated parts of Slaters game that is often overlooked has been his ability to catch balls on the full from NSW kickers. There has been barely been a game where NSW has won the kicking game and a lot of this can be put down to how great Slater was positionally and how fast he was covering ground, NSW could simply never find the grass during this period. Game 1 in a weeks time will see the same Slater doing what he does best, tormenting NSW with his agility and speed around the rucks, taking kicks on the full, communicating from the back, enjoy everyone as you want see a player like him again.
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