Billy Slater facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Billy Slater

Personal information
Full name	William Slater
Born	(1983-06-18) 18 June 1983 (age 43) Nambour, Queensland, Australia
Height	178 cm (5 ft 10 in)
Weight	88 kg (13 st 12 lb)
Playing information
Position	Fullback
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2003–18 Melbourne Storm 319 190 0 0 760 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2004–18 Queensland 31 12 0 0 48 2008–17 Australia 30 27 0 0 108
Coaching information
Representative Years Team Gms W D L W% 2022– Queensland 13 7 0 6 54
As of 9 June 2026

William Slater (born 18 June 1983), known as Billy Slater, is a famous Australian former professional rugby league player. He played during the 2000s and 2010s. Today, Billy is the coach for the Queensland Maroons. He led them to victory in the 2022, 2023, and 2025 State of Origin series competitions. Many people consider him one of the best fullbacks in rugby league history. He was known for his amazing vision, understanding of the game, and scoring lots of tries.

Billy played for the Australian national team and was once captain of the Queensland State of Origin team. He spent his whole club career with the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League (NRL). With the Storm, he played in seven NRL Grand Finals. He holds the club record for the most tries ever scored and the NRL record for most tries by a fullback. Billy scored 190 tries for the Melbourne Storm, which is the third highest in Australian top-level rugby league history. He also won two major championships, the Clive Churchill Medal twice, and the Dally M Medal with the Storm. When playing for the Kangaroos, he was the top try-scorer and best player at the 2008 World Cup. He also won the Golden Boot Award in 2008, recognizing him as the world's best player. Billy also won the TV show Australia's Greatest Athlete in 2009 and 2010.

Who is Billy Slater?

Early Life and Rugby Beginnings

Billy Slater was born in Nambour, Queensland, Australia, in 1983. He started playing rugby league for the Brothers club in Innisfail, Queensland. Even though he was a big fan of the North Queensland Cowboys team, he didn't get to play for them when he was young. When he was sixteen, Billy left school. He decided to follow his love for thoroughbred racing, which is horse racing. He worked for six months in Sydney, helping out with racehorses for trainer Gai Waterhouse.

Amazing Playing Career

Starting Strong: Early Years (2003-2005)

Billy Slater began his professional rugby league career with the Melbourne Storm in 2003. In his very first game, he played on the wing and scored a try. In his second game, he played as a fullback, which became his main position, and scored two tries. Billy had a fantastic first year. He was the Storm's top try-scorer in 2003 NRL season with 19 tries in 26 games. He was even recognized as the Dally M Rookie of the Year for being the best new player.

In 2004, Billy made his debut for Queensland in the State of Origin series. He was named 'man of the match' in his second game, scoring two amazing tries. One of these tries is still remembered as one of the best individual tries in Origin history. He played 22 matches for the Storm that year, scoring 14 tries. In 2005, Billy continued to shine, scoring 20 tries in 21 matches for the Storm. He was the top try-scorer in the NRL that season. He also played for Queensland again, this time as a fullback.

Overcoming Challenges and Big Wins (2006-2008)

The 2006 NRL season was a bit tougher for Billy due to some suspensions and injuries. He played in 15 matches and scored 5 tries for the Storm. In 2007, Billy had a strong comeback after an injury. He played his 100th NRL career match. He was part of the Melbourne Storm team that won the 2007 NRL Grand Final. However, this premiership was later removed due to team rule violations. Billy played 23 matches and scored 12 tries that year. He was also named the Storm's Back of the Year.

Slater while playing for Melbourne in 2007.

The 2008 NRL season was incredible for Billy. He scored many tries early in the season and was praised as one of the best players. He was selected to play for the Australian national team (the Kangaroos) and helped them win against New Zealand. He also returned to play for Queensland in the 2008 State of Origin series, helping them win the series for the first time in his career. Billy played in the 2008 NRL Grand Final with the Storm, but they lost. Despite this, he was named the Melbourne club's Player of the Year. He also won the Rugby League World Golden Boot Award as the best player in the world. Billy played a key role in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, scoring many tries and being named the 'Player of the Tournament', even though Australia lost the final.

Premierships and Top Awards (2009-2013)

In 2009, Billy continued his success, playing for Australia and Queensland, helping Queensland win the State of Origin series. He played his 150th NRL match and scored his 100th NRL try. He was part of the Melbourne Storm team that won the 2009 NRL Grand Final. He was also awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as the best player in that final. This premiership was also later removed due to team rule violations. Billy was the Storm's top try-scorer with 18 tries in 26 matches and was named Melbourne's Player of the Year for the second time. He also helped Australia win the 2009 Rugby League Four Nations tournament.

Slater after the 2009 NRL Grand Final.

In 2010, Billy played for Australia and was a key part of Queensland's State of Origin series win, where he received the Wally Lewis Medal as the best player of the series. The Storm faced challenges that year, but Billy still played 22 matches and scored 10 tries.

The 2011 NRL season saw Billy break the record for the most tries scored for the Melbourne Storm. He continued to play for Australia and Queensland, helping Queensland win another State of Origin series. He played his 200th NRL career match. Billy was awarded the 2011 Dally M Medal for the best player in the NRL that year. He was also named the Rugby League International Federation's International Player of the Year for the second time.

In 2012, Billy scored many tries early in the season. He played a crucial role in the Storm's 2012 NRL Grand Final victory, where they defeated the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. This was a major championship win for him. He also became the highest try-scoring fullback in the NRL. Billy continued to represent Australia and Queensland, helping Queensland extend their winning streak in the State of Origin series.

Billy helped the Storm win the 2013 World Club Challenge against the Leeds Rhinos. He played all three games of the 2013 State of Origin series, where Queensland won their eighth consecutive series. He also scored his 150th career try, becoming one of only a few players to reach this milestone. Billy was the Storm's top try-scorer with 18 tries in 24 matches. He was part of the Australian team that won the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, scoring two tries in the final.

Later Career and Retirement (2014-2018)

In 2014, Billy played his 250th game for the Melbourne Storm. He continued to play for Australia and Queensland. He surpassed Andrew Ettingshausen's try-scoring record, becoming the third-highest try-scorer in NRL history at that time.

The 2015 NRL season was affected by a shoulder injury, which limited him to only 7 matches. He still played in two State of Origin games for Queensland before needing surgery. In 2016, another shoulder injury kept Billy out for the entire season. Despite not playing, he worked as a consultant for the Queensland team during the State of Origin series, helping the coaches and players.

Billy made a successful return in 2017. He quickly regained his form, scoring tries and setting up plays. After being initially left out, he was recalled to the Queensland State of Origin team for Game 2 and Game 3, helping them win the series. He played a key role in the Storm's 2017 NRL Grand Final victory, where they beat the North Queensland Cowboys. He received his second Clive Churchill Medal for his outstanding performance in the final. Billy also played for Australia in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, breaking the all-time World Cup try-scoring record and helping Australia win the tournament.

Slater after playing for Australia in the 2008 World Cup final.

In 2018, Billy played his 300th NRL career game. He announced that he would retire from representative football after the 2018 State of Origin series. Despite an injury, he returned for Game 2 and Game 3, even captaining Queensland in his final Origin match. He led Queensland to a victory in Game 3 and received the Wally Lewis Medal as the Player of the Series, a remarkable achievement. On 8 August, Billy announced his retirement from the NRL at the end of the 2018 NRL season. His final game was the Grand Final loss to the Sydney Roosters on 30 September 2018.

Life After Playing

Coaching the Queensland Maroons

After retiring from playing, Billy Slater joined the Australian Football League (AFL) club St Kilda in a leadership role in October 2018. He also became a commentator for the Nine Network’s NRL coverage in 2019. In March 2019, the Melbourne Storm honored him by renaming the Northern Stand of AAMI Park to the Slater Stand. In August 2019, he was chosen as the fullback in the Queensland Maroons team of the decade.

On 24 September 2021, Billy was selected as the Head Coach for the Queensland Maroons. He led the team to surprising series victories in the 2022 State of Origin series and the 2023 State of Origin series. He also coached them to victory in the 2025 State of Origin series. In September 2023, he signed a three-year extension to continue coaching the team.

Hall of Fame Recognition

In August 2024, the National Rugby League announced that Billy Slater was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame. He was recognized as Hall of Fame number 122, joining other great players in the 2024 class.

Awards and Achievements

Career Statistics

NRL

Season	Team	Matches	T	G	GK %	F/G	Pts	W	L	D	W-L %
2003	Melbourne Storm	26	19	0	—	0	76	16	10	0	61.54
2004		22	14	0	—	0	56	12	10	0	54.55
2005		21	20	0	—	0	80	12	9	0	57.14
2006		15	5	0	—	0	20	12	3	0	80.00
2007†		23	12	0	—	0	48	20	3	0	86.96
2008		24	14	0	—	0	56	19	5	0	79.17
2009†		26	18	0	—	0	72	16	9	1	61.54
2010		22	10	0	—	0	40	13	9	0	59.09
2011		24	12	0	—	0	48	19	5	0	79.17
2012†		21	16	0	—	0	64	19	2	0	90.48
2013		24	18	0	—	0	72	16	7	1	66.67
2014		22	12	0	—	0	48	13	9	0	59.09
2015		7	2	0	—	0	8	5	2	0	71.43
2016		1	0	0	—	0	0	1	0	0	100.00
2017†		21	11	0	—	0	44	19	2	0	90.48
2018		20	7	0	—	0	28	12	8	0	60.00
Career totals		319	190	0	—	0	760	224	93	2	70.22

State of Origin

Australia

Personal Life

Billy Slater lives in Melbourne with his wife, Nicole Slater. They got married in Cairns in November 2009. They have two children, a daughter named Tyla Rose and a son named Jake.

Billy also appeared on the TV show Australia's Greatest Athlete. He won both Season 1 (in 2009) and Season 2 (in 2010). He competed against many different athletes, including Olympic gold medalists and other sports champions. Billy also helps out with junior sports programs around Australia, including the Canterbury Junior Football Club in Melbourne.

Images for kids

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  Slater playing for the Storm in August 2008.

• 

  Slater playing for Melbourne in 2008

See also

• List of players with 100 NRL tries