The 33-year-old has played just eight NRL matches in the past two years after missing most of the 2015 season before re-injuring his shoulder in round one of 2016.

“It’s not 100 per cent yet but hopefully by next year it will be and all things going well I will be out there but there’s no guarantees just yet as I haven’t done a whole heap of contact work,” Slater told AAP.

“If it’s not in a position where I feel comfortable with it then I’m not going to be risking it.

“I’m more chance than not of playing but it’s hard to say I’m definitely going to play next year because I haven’t put it through those tests.”

Slater’s unavailability causes a headache for the Storm which had the luxury of installing the versatile Cameron Munster at the back last season, however, five-eighth Blake Green’s defection to Manly means he will likely fill the vacant halves position.   

“I still want to play football and that’s why I’m training now,” Slater said.

“I really have that hunger and drive to play and still want to play for another year or two and if my shoulder comes good hopefully I can do that.

“My surgeon says it’s a two year recovery and I’m only eight months into it so by next March I will be half way.”