NRL: Slater keen to build on comeback

Australia's Billy Slater scores a try in the Rugby League World Cup Final in 2013. Photo / Photosport

Melbourne star Billy Slater has turned his attention to getting match fit after coming through his NRL comeback from twin shoulder reconstructions unscathed.

Slater will make consecutive appearances in the NRL for the first time in almost two years when he lines up for the Storm's round-four date with Wests Tigers on Sunday.

"It was a big week for me last week," Slater said in Sydney yesterday.

"I hadn't played much footy over the past two years and to get back on to the field for the first time in 12 months was quite nerve-racking.

"But I'm glad it's over now and I can just focus and concentrate on my performances. I'm looking forward to the Tigers this Sunday and hopefully I can build.

"I felt my pass selection wasn't the greatest on the weekend. My involvement was good and I want to maintain that but just a few things performance-wise, I want to focus on," he said.

"Last week I didn't focus on performance too much, I just focused on my mental state and how I could get through that game."

The ladder-leading Storm will be gunning for a fourth straight win against a Wests outfit rocked by the sacking of coach Jason Taylor.

Slater believes the drama will only provide further motivation for the Tigers who are "tough to beat" at Leichhardt Oval the best of times".

"It'll bring them together and it'll make them feel a little bit responsible for what happened. I'm sure their performance will be a lot better than what it was last week."

The game will mark just the second time 33-year-old Slater has faced off against incumbent NSW State of Origin custodian James Tedesco.

"He's just so dangerous every time he gets the ball, he's very quick and agile," Slater said.

"He just makes himself hard to tackle. He wants to compete and that's all you can ask."
- AAP