Slater now on rugby radar
By Brent Read
November 19, 2008
JUST a day after being crowned the world's best player, Australia full-back Billy Slater has become a target for rugby union clubs across the country.
Queensland high-performance manager Ben Whitaker confirmed the Reds were keen to speak to Slater if the Storm custodian had a genuine interest in switching codes.
Slater has a Mark Gasnier-type clause in his contract which allows him to leave Melbourne at the end of next season should he receive a lucrative offer from English Super League or rugby.
Given his form for club and country over the past year, union officials have had their ears pricked by the existence of the clause.
"I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't," Whitaker said when asked if he would investigate Slater's interest in a switch of codes. "I think he's one of those players that any code would definitely explore or have a look at having on board."
News of union's interest is the last thing Melbourne need given their salary cap position. The club are fighting to retain captain Cameron Smith following a lucrative offer from the Gold Coast.
The Storm have put talks with all players on hold until Smith's future is finalised.
The club have already indicated a desire to renegotiate Slater's deal, which he signed in 2007 when he was on the periphery of representative football.
Since then, he has produced one of the greatest seasons by a full-back in premiership history.
On Monday night, Slater was named international rugby league player of the year, beating a high-class field which also included Storm teammates Smith and Greg Inglis.
As a result of his performances for Melbourne, Queensland and Australia this year, Slater would rightly expect to become one of the highest earners in the game.
"He would be fantastic," Whitaker said.
"But they have to have a genuine desire to play the game. You do know playing our game can result in great financial rewards.
"We would definitely want to gauge pretty early whether he has an interest in playing the game. If it's just about upping his salary, we don't need that."
Rugby union's interest in Slater could yet affect Kangaroos team-mate Karmichael Hunt. Less than four months ago it was revealed the ARU and the provincial Super 14 side had expressed an interest in the Brisbane full-back.
Hunt, who has a background in rugby and is off contract at the end of next year, recently indicated he would prefer to remain in rugby league.
While he has never publicly expressed an interest in rugby, and has spoken of his contentment in Melbourne, Slater's head could be turned should the ARU put in a significant sweetener.
"He's a great player and I love watching him," dual international Michael O'Connor said. "To say he's automatically going to be a great rugby union player - I wouldn't say that."[/b]
