Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said the injured fullback had been training well over the past month and sought advice from his surgeon about the possibility of a return.

Slater injured his shoulder in round one this year and has not played since.

Ponissi said Slater investigated the option of coming back this year, but to no avail.  

“He went to see his surgeon last month because he was feeling great within himself and had started training so he decided to ask the question,” Ponissi told SEN radio on Tuesday.

“The surgeon gave him a glowing report but stopped short of giving him the green light to play in September this year.

“It would have been an interesting selection dilemma for Craig (Bellamy).”

Cameron Munster has done a sterling job at the back this year in Slater’s absence but is set to be moved to five-eighth next year following the departure of Blake Green (Manly).

Slater is set to assume his No.1 jersey in what many believe will be his final year at the top.