ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

A popular 35-year-old Queenslander has decided this season of high-octane rugby league will be his last, leaving the eastern seaboard reeling.

Billy Slater, arguably the greatest rugby league fullback of all time, ended months of speculation this morning by telling the media in Melbourne that he is planning to hang the boots up come September.

“Full credit to the boys – and girls,” he said.

“My knees and shoulders can no longer give 110% – which means it’s time to pull up stumps. I’d like to thank the Melbourne Storm for having me, I’ve had the time of my young life. I’d also like to thank the rugby league community in general, full credit to you all,”

“But mostly, to my family. Couldn’t have done it without you. We can move back to Queensland now. I’m thinking a nice place on the river at St Lucia would do me just fine. A big jetski out the front. A television wider than Gorden Tallis’ wingspan. It will be grouse. Cheers.”

The news comes as a shock to the nation, who expected Slater to keep playing the came until he turned 70.

But it wasn’t to be.

More to come.