Slater has trained well in the pre-season but is yet to commence full-contact training after undergoing a second straight shoulder reconstruction.

The 33-year-old’d absence could cause a headache for coach Craig Bellamy who will not risk Slater’s health.

Cameron Munster deputised at fullback in 2016 in the absence of Slater, but has trained all year in the halves.

One option for Bellamy would be to install Young Tonumaipea at No.1.