Billy Slater knows a big game when he sees one and Saturday certainly fits the criteria.
It will be 1st and 2nd on the NRL ladder going head to head at AAMI Park.
Melbourne currently sit two games clear on top but Sydney will be hoping to put themselves right back in the hunt for the minor premiership this weekend.
Top of the table clash! Storm v Roosters, Saturday 12 August, 5:30pm at AAMI Park!
With finals on the horizon, games like these take on a greater significance and the Storm fullback is no stranger to embracing such moments.
“It is a huge game for us this weekend,” Slater said.
“We get the opportunity to play a really good quality side and we get them pretty much full strength.
“Boyd Cordner comes back into the side, Jake Friend is a huge inclusion for them in that dummy half role. It will be a good test for us, we are looking forward to it.
“It is a top of the table clash, 1 v 2, we are four weeks away from the semi finals and I think it is such a huge occasion for both teams.
“It is a great moment for the game and I’m sure we are going to get plenty of support down here in Melbourne so I am looking forward to the big game.”
Storm will be looking to build on their three game win streak against the Roosters.
Win-loss column aside though, it is more about the bigger picture for the men in purple.
That means a greater focused is being placed not on the end score line, but the football that is being played to get there.
“It is just as important to be playing good football at this end of the year,” Slater said.
“We’ve worked really hard to consolidate the position on the table that we want to be at, now it is about making sure we are playing good football and really fine tuning our defence and also our attack.
“These four games are about building good momentum and playing your best football in the first week of September.”
