Kangaroos tour marred by injuries

[Danny]

Slater opts out of tour
September 23, 2004

STORM speedster Billy Slater today became the second high-profile withdrawal from the Kangaroo tour train-on squad in as many days, electing to undergo minor surgery on a persistent groin injury that will sideline him for four months.

His decision follows a similar one from St George Illawarra captain Barrett yesterday.

Barrett requires shoulder and knee surgery.

Slater has had osteitis pubis – a debilitating groin injury – for almost two years and decided to put NRL club before country and undergo surgery.

"Obviously it's very disappointing that I can't be in contention for the Australian side but I'm looking to the long-term," Slater said.

"I've had this injury for over 18 months now and it really does get a hold of you and you do get very frustrated with it, so the first thing in my mind is that I want to get rid of it and this sacrifice is the first step.

"I didn't do much running at all last pre-season and I didn't do much fitness work so it was a little bit hard this year to get a base.

"I felt that towards the end of the year, and even at the start of the year, if I had to back up an effort I was really struggling so hopefully I won't have to feel that way again."

The fleet-footed Slater won't be able to run for four months but expects to resume full training in January.

"The medical staff seem to think that if I have this operation and do the right rehab exercises, it should fix the injury," the 21-year-old said.

[injuryupdate]

Given that 17 players pulled out last year they still have a long way to go before they are in trouble. The New York trip might be an incentive for the rest of them.

I reckon it would be sensible for players to only be available for the Kangaroo Tour every second year. I know it sounds ridiculous, but no more ridiculous than expecting players to be competing for 10 months out of the 12.

Maybe it would be sensible to just have the Kangaroo Tour every second year and it would be something they all look forward to. Having it every year is just killing the players. If for commercial reasons they have to keep it every year, then make it only eligible for players who didn't tour the year before, so at least every player gets one off season in two.

[Monica]

Good and valid suggestions, I-U. Perhaps the commercial downfall of only playing every two years would be for Phillips to whip up a bit of sensationalism surrounding these fewer games - as it stands, games are usually broadcast in the wee hours, with only the die hard fans subjected to their advertising... A lot more hype would not only be benificial for sponsors, but probably the code as well.

Too much footy is the cause of so many great players being out of the game or retired! (I'm sure you can think of a few this season alone) I agree with you I-U - our players are suffering, and the game with them.