Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy says superstar NRL fullback Billy Slater has wound back the clock as he prepares for his first hit-out of the year.
The Kangaroos custodian has returned from injury to be named in the Storm's 24-man squad to take on the Bulldogs at AAMI Park on Saturday night in their final pre-season trial.
New Zealand internationals Tohu Harris and Kevin Proctor are also set to line-up, although Test halfback Cooper Cronk has been left out.
Skipper Cameron Smith is still sidelined after ankle surgery and will sit out the opening rounds.
Slater missed Australia's Four Nations tournament late last year after requiring surgery on his shoulder.
He also had an arthroscopy on his left elbow and laser eye treatment to restore 20/20 vision.
Bellamy said Slater looked sharp after starting his pre-season in November for the first time since 2007, with post-season representative commitments usually delaying his return.
"It's been his best pre-season for a long time because he's had more time," Bellamy said.
"He was a little late starting because of his shoulder surgery, but since he's been back doing all the running, he's been exceptional."
The Storm need Slater at the peak of his powers this season after their shock drubbing in their elimination final by the Bulldogs.
They trailed 24-0 at halftime before going down 28-4.
"He's probably in the best shape that he's been for a fair while to be honest and hopefully he'll be able to transfer that on to the field and have a really good year," Bellamy said.
The Bulldogs and Storm completed an opposed training session in Melbourne on Wednesday night ahead of their trial.
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