We knew it was only a matter of time!

[estormboy]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/t ... f5be320a86

Billy Slater to sign new one-year deal with Melbourne Storm and play on through 2018

Melbourne Storm champion Billy Slater will play on in 2018.

The Clive Churchill Medallist dropped the bombshell at the Storm’s Player of the Year gala at Crown in Melbourne.

The 299-game veteran fully committed to Storm for another season following Sunday’s night’s grand final demolition.

“I’ve worked out what I want to do next year and that is to play on,” Slater said.

“Obviously the grand final was my priority through the finals series I hadn’t given it too much thought it’s always been physical decision for me and my body is feeling quite good and I’m ready to go around another year so I’m looking forward to it.”

The new deal puts Slater in a position to reach major milestones next season, including his 300th game in Round 1 and 30th Origin appearance for Queensland in July.

It’s a major boost for the premiers after Cooper Cronk’s well documented move to Sydney.

[Ice]

Was never in doubt

[TC]

[LESStar58]

First game of the year better be at home for Billy can play his 300th in Melbourne.

[Mattpoet]

I reckon that will be arranged

[yourhero]

Yep, the NRL control the draw from 2018. That gives them the ability to make a decision like this.

[Bullucked]

Yep, the NRL control the draw from 2018. That gives them the ability to make a decision like this.

So it'll be against the Rabbits in Perth?

[yourhero]

Yep, the NRL control the draw from 2018. That gives them the ability to make a decision like this.

So it'll be against the Rabbits in Perth?

Exactly.

[tugga]

NRL don't give us round 1 home games. When was the last time we played the season opener at home?

[Scooter]

NRL don't give us round 1 home games. When was the last time we played the season opener at home?

2016 but it was a Monday night game.

[NevilleB]

Should do gf rematch against cows with both Slater and Thurston playing their 300th

[yourhero]

Should do gf rematch against cows with both Slater and Thurston playing their 300th

Whoever doesn't get the home game won't be too happy.

[TC]

Should do gf rematch against cows with both Slater and Thurston playing their 300th

I don't know, since it is something that can be planned for now, I think the fans of both teams deserve to have those matches as home games.

[Mattpoet]

Me too.

[brisbanestorm]

Maybe they should play it at Suncorp?