It is one of those games that seemed to be heading for a low score amongst both teams – before the Melbourne Storm opened the floodgates, on the back of scintillating play from fullback Billy Slater and hooker Cameron Smith.
In the process, Billy Slater broke a long-standing record held by former NRL journeyman Rhys Wesser (129) – after he broke the try-scoring record for a fullback, moving to 130.
Whilst Slater is known for some freakish things, it was his second try that has everybody talking – with the QLD and Australian representative racing through from out of nowhere, holding & juggling the ball with one hand whilst falling, before grounding the ball in the same movement.
Even Titans coach John Cartwright was simply in awe of what Billy Slater produced.
“He’s freakish, absolutely freakish – the best I’ve ever seen,” said losing coach John Cartwright shaking his head.
Although he is too old to go back 100 years to see all other fullbacks, having seen the likes of Garry Jack, Graeme Langlands and Gary Belcher – Storm coach Craig Bellamy said that Slater is the best he has seen.
“I saw all those guys and I don’t think I’ve seen better …. no I haven’t,” he said emphatically.
Slater himself is proud to have broken a long-standing record.
“I wasn’t aware of it going into the game but it’s something I’m pretty proud of actually,” said the 28-year-old who hails from the Sunshine Coast.
“To hold a record like that is credit to the players around me who have created all those tries.”
NRL News Dally M Points
3 Billy Slater
2 Cameron Smith
1 Matthew Duffie