Former Melbourne Storm great Billy Slater has been instrumental in shaping Reece Walsh into one of rugby league’s most exciting talents, having served as his Queensland Maroons coach since 2022.
But ahead of Sunday’s NRL Grand Final, he says he is ready to provide the Storm with “professional intel” on how to contain the Brisbane No.1.
Working as a coaching consultant for the Storm, the 42-year-old finds himself in the unique position of preparing to face a Broncos side that includes several players he previously coached at the Queensland Origin level.
All eyes will be on the fullback clash between Reece Walsh and Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen in the do-or-die Grand Final, as Papenhuyzen returns to his electrifying best following last Friday’s standout performance against Cronulla.
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Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Slater clarified what information he would provide — and what he would hold back — from his former coach and current Storm head coach, Craig Bellamy.
“It will be a balance. It will be professional intel, but it won’t be any personal intel,” Slater stated.
“I’m not disrespectful with the coaching roles I hold [for Melbourne and Queensland]. That’s important to me.
“It’s all about what happens on the field. The great thing about our game is nothing is hidden; there isn’t a single thing the 34 players who will be on the field on Sunday haven’t done yet.
“It’s all there for us to see. It’s up to us to look at it all and build a plan around it.
“As much as I want to see Reece and all the Queensland guys do well, I have a job to do for the Storm.”