Billy Slater

Slater, who played 31 Origins and was a key member of Queensland's eight-year domination of the interstate series, has been announced as the Maroons' next coach after being approached to replace Paul Green two weeks ago.

Green stood down because he wanted to consider any NRL jobs that come up next season or in 2023 but Slater has made it clear he is only interested in coaching the Maroons.

Both of his former Storm teammates insist Slater, who has a three-year deal on the table from the QRL to succeed departed coach Paul Green, would do an outstanding job in the role.

NSW Blues forward Finucane, when asked if he was concerned about the prospect of Slater guiding the Maroons, said, “Oh yeah, certainly.”

“I know how much attention to detail Billy has with a team,” Finucane said.

“Even as a player, he was a coach. From a tactical point of view he will have a high expectation of what he expects from everyone.

The Courier Mail reports the QRL offered a two-year deal with an option for a third, but the Maroons must meet Slater’s asking price in order for the legendary fullback to accept the offer.

New South Wales coach Brad Fittler is said to be on $350,000, while Green was paid just under $200,000.

Two preliminary finals turned out two significant storylines after Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters despatched Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs. Both tales involve shoulders. And both could see champion players watching Sunday’s NRL grand final from sideline seats. 

Queensland provided one final highlight for stand-in skipper Slater, downing NSW 18-12 in State of Origin III in Brisbane in a fitting farewell for the veteran fullback.

Polarising Maroons playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans was a standout after ending three years in the Origin wilderness.

After his 31st and final Origin, Slater said it was vital for the Maroons' future that he helped deny the Blues their first series whitewash in 18 years.

Brisbane's Anthony Milford and Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga will be flown into Melbourne as potential replacements.

Veteran fullback Slater's shock withdrawal after aggravating a hamstring injury is a major setback for a Maroons team already without a total of 151 Origin games worth of experience as they begin life without retired greats Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk.

Slater - a veteran of 29 Origins - had already confirmed he would retire from representative football after the 2018 series.

Slater drop-kicked the ball for himself close to the line to set up the Storm's opening try in what the NRL has since deemed to be an initial correct ruling by the on-field referee Ashley Klein.

Klein sent the ruling to the Bunker which confirmed the try. Klein then explained to Brisbane captain Darius Boyd that Slater was entitled to drop-kick the ball and didn't have to necessarily kick for the posts.

NRL referees boss Bernie Sutton explained why the correct ruling was made (see video below).

Marshall was preparing to give a post-game interview for Fox Sports following his team's surprise 10-8 win over the Storm at AAMI Park when he noticed the Melbourne players were getting ready to give Slater a guard of honour as he walked off the ground.

Yelling out to his teammates over the other side of the field, Marshall told them to rush over to acknowledge Slater in his milestone match.

Past and former players have taken to social media to praise Marshall for his selfless act, including Monty Betham, David Mead and Jake Marketo, plus countless fans.

As the veteran fullback prepares for the round two clash against the Wests Tigers at AAMI Park, here's a look at some of the key stats that show why he’s one of the game’s greatest of all time.

When it comes to tackle breaks in the NRL era, Slater is the undisputed king with a grand total of 1231 for his career, which puts him 108 clear of the next best, South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis.

Slater is also the all-time leader for line breaks with 259 for which puts him well clear of Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Darren Lockyer (203).

The champion duo claimed every available major medal and trophy over the last year, including the Golden Boot and Dally M and Clive Churchill medals. On a team level, they secured a State of Origin series victory, a World Cup win, a Telstra Premiership and now a WCC triumph.

Bellamy said they don't always get the recognition they deserve.

"I was a really proud coach tonight," he said.