Slater ruled out for eight months

Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater will be sidelined for up to eight months with the same shoulder injury that ended his 2015 season.

Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said, "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."

Slater will have some time away from the Club before commencing his rehabilitation program to return to the field as soon as possible.