Billy Slater facing long NRL lay-off after shoulder surgery
Tuesday 15 March 2016 09:21, UK
Australia international Billy Slater looks set to miss the rest of the NRL season because of a shoulder injury.
Slater has undergone surgery on his troublesome left shoulder and is a major doubt for this year's Four Nations.
The Melbourne Storm full-back missed a large part of the 2015 campaign with the problem and has now been ruled out for six to eight months having made just one appearance this year.
Storm director of football Frank Ponissi told the club's website: "While we are hugely disappointed to hear the extent of Billy's injury, we are very pleased to hear the medical team expect him to make a full and successful recovery."
The 32-year-old has been a key player for Australia since making his debut in 2008, with his two tries helping the Kangaroos to victory over New Zealand in the 2013 World Cup final.
Slater faces a race against time to be fit for this autumn's Four Nations in the UK, which sees Australia take on England, Scotland and defending champions New Zealand.
