Slater hopes to miss just one Storm game
Jul 26, 2017 - 5:45 AM Billy Slater says he hasn't had any lingering symptoms from Sia Soliola's brutal high shot and is expecting to return next week for Melbourne's NRL match against North Queensland.The 34-year-old posted a video online to fans on Wednesday saying that while he would miss Sunday's clash with Manly, he was already back into light training and planned to play on Friday week for the Storm.
"I got a bit of a nasty knock on the weekend but I'm feeling pretty good," Slater said on the 20Four video app.
"Over the last couple of days, I haven't had any symptoms so I get to do a little bit of exercise today which I'm looking forward to.
"I won't be playing this week as a precaution - the doctors advised that and I'm comfortable with that, but I will be back next week against the Cowboys and I'm looking forward to getting back playing."
Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said the club didn't test Slater to see if he could have played this Sunday, deciding early to rule him out given the severity of the concussion.
"We thought we'd make the decision early so Billy could focus fully on his recovery and he was in agreement with that," Ponissi said.
"He will train fully next week and then we'll test him before we travel to Townsville."
Canberra's Soliola on Tuesday night was banned for five weeks for the late and high tackle, which left Slater unconscious.
The NRL judiciary heard in a medical report from the Storm's doctor that Slater could not remember the match or his previous fortnight, including Queensland's State of Origin series deciding win.
Slater's teammate Will Chambers said he believed the fullback would be right for the trip north.
"You never want to see anyone in that situation and you feel for his family but the judiciary took care of all of that," Chambers said.
"I think he's going OK and feeling better by the day so it will be two weeks which is a fair time, so I hope he plays."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Bromwich focused on fresh start in 2018 Dec 13
- Kasiano impressing in Storm pre-season Dec 1
- Storm crazy not to look at Pearce: Smith Nov 22
- Earl's NRL comeback stalled by knee injury Nov 22
- Cronk to tell Storm's NRL secrets: Bellamy Nov 13
- Roosters mull Storm clash venue Oct 30
- Storm give Earl a second chance in NRL Oct 27
- Hoffman returns to the Storm for 2018 NRL Oct 10
- Smith wins Storm's best player gong Oct 3
- Billy Slater to play on for Storm in NRL Oct 3
- Storm's win sits alongside 2007: Bellamy Oct 2
- Purple haze welcomes Storm champions home Oct 2