NRL: More of the same, please, proud skipper tells Slater

Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater scores one of his four tries. Photo / Getty Images

Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith has put in his orders for Billy Slater next week: more of the same, please.

Slater almost single-handedly destroyed Manly in their NRL qualifying final at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, scoring four tries in the 40-12 victory.

He opened the scoring in the fourth minute, and then had the final say, crossing for the side's sixth and his fourth in the 78th minute.

The Australian test custodian, however, preferred to point the spotlight on his team-mates, saying such a feat was only possible because of their hard work.

It continued Slater's love affair with Etihad Stadium where he has now scored hat-tricks or better in his last four games at the indoor venue.

"It was just good to put in a good performance but there's no way I could get over the line the way I did if guys like Ryan Tandy, Jeff Lima and Dane Nielsen didn't play the way they did tonight.

"I think you'd find it very difficult to point out a bloke who didn't play well in our side," said Slater, "and that's what it's always been about with the Melbourne Storm with everyone playing their role and pulling their weight. When they do it's a pretty good game to be a part of.

"I've just been trying to build on my form over the last couple of weeks and although I've been satisfied there's been a few parts in my game I've wanted to improve.

"But it's a team effort not an individual sport."

Smith said it made his job as a forward far easier with players the calibre of Slater and fellow game-breaker, centre Greg Inglis, outside him.

"It's certainly nice to have those two in the back pocket.

"If it's not Bill scoring tries it's Greg and it's a huge positive to have two of those guys in our side," Smith said.

"A couple of Bill's tries tonight were created from nothing ... he just got the ball and danced around a bit and all of a sudden he was over the tryline.

"They're guys you just can't put a value on, particularly this time of the year when it's so hard to get across the tryline.

"Hopefully he can do it again next week, another four would be nice." Manly players wore black armbands and coach Des Hasler expressed his club's sorrow after Sea Eagles forward Glenn Hall's family tragedy forced him out of the match against Melbourne.

Hall's first child, named Lachlan Mark, was stillborn on Thursday night following complications with his wife Kylie's pregnancy.

The 28-year-old forward returned to Sydney to be with his wife and missed the 40-12 defeat by Melbourne, after originally being named on the bench.

"Kylie and I are grateful to the family and friends who have extended their thoughts and prayers at this most difficult of times," Hall said in a statement issued by the club.

"My immediate concern is for Kylie at this moment. We thank my team-mates for their love and understanding."

Hasler said all at the club were coming to terms with the news, and were thinking of Hall and his wife during their difficult time.

"It's a very sad thing for Glenn and Kylie and our deepest thoughts are with them," Hasler said following Friday night's match.

Hall is due to join English Super League club Bradford on a three-year deal next season, the club where former Sea Eagles team-mate Steve Menzies plays.

- AAP