Billy is back.
After more than 12 months out of the NRL following shoulder surgery, Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater finally returned to AAMI Park.
Iced with a Storm victory, Slater's comeback was a huge success.
While his timing may have been a little off, he looked sharp and fast.
Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith said both he and Slater were "relieved" that he got through the match, which was only his eighth in two seasons due to his first round of shoulder surgery
"To watch what he's gone through in the last two years ... I just wanted to see him back on the paddock," Smith said.
"He was a bit rusty and you would be after only playing a handful of games in two years but he had some pretty classy touches as well.
"I'm very happy he's back."
Fans were made to wait a little longer than kick-off against Brisbane, with Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy deciding to change his line-up and put Slater on the bench until the sting was out of the defence.
After 28 minutes the Storm faithful were on their feet to cheer the arrival of Slater, who has played 279 games in the purple since making his debut in 2003.
His teammates were also all smiles, gathering around him to welcome him "home".
It didn't take long for the Broncos to test the 33-year-old, with hooker Andrew McCullough sending up a towering bomb.
Slater collected it without hesitation.
He bounced back from every hit the Broncos put on him and looked hungry for the ball.
Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said it was great to see Slater back in the game.
"He's a wonderful player and I'm pleased to see him back," Bennett said.
"He was out of touch with a couple of things but he will only get better.
"He just needed that game to get some confidence."
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