Everybody wants the accolades, few a willing to endure what comes before it.
As Billy Slater sat before the flock of media on Tuesday ahead of his 300th NRL game this weekend he deservingly fielded questions about everything he has achieved over the journey.
The compliments from coach Craig Bellamy and CEO Dave Donaghy fittingly summarised what he has meant to his Club and the game over 15 incredible seasons.
It was all fitting words for a champion who was forced to go through hell and back to be sitting up there.
Countless hours of rehab and hard work ensured Slater would enter his 300th game once again as the NRL’s No.1 fullback.
Another contributing factor, and arguably the most significant, was the three people sitting in the front from of Tuesday’s press conference; his wife Nicole and children Jake and Tyla.
“Your family are the ones you go home to. I’ve spoken about the last three years and the rollercoaster I’ve been on and they’ve been on it with me,” Slater said.
“My wife has had to put up with me going through all those injuries. I was pretty much disabled for six months where I couldn’t help out around the place and that is an added stress and added load that she has had to put up with.
“She slept on the floor for a month while I had my injury because I couldn’t sleep horizontally, I had to have a bed inclined.
“Your kids are there and they see you going through that emotional roller coaster as well. It is little sacrifices like that which people do not understand but it is certainly appreciated.”
