Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy believes star fullback Billy Slater will be playing with a point to prove when he lines up against Newcastle.
After making an impressive return from two bouts of shoulder surgery, Slater was rocked last week when he was left out of the Queensland State of Origin team after 27 appearances since 2004.
Slater hasn't spoken publicly about his disappointment and Bellamy predicts the 33-year-old will let his football do the talking on Friday night at AAMI Park.
"I think most players would try and convince themselves they haven't got a point to prove but I'm sure deep down he will; that will be his mentality," Bellamy said.
"He's been a lot better this week; he was really disappointed but he's able to brush that away after 48 hours and he came back on Monday full of beans and he's been great at our training this week."
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Bellamy didn't want Slater to overplay his hand in a bid to impress selectors but believed his experience meant he wouldn't stray from the gameplan.
With the Maroons thrashed 28-4 by NSW, there have been calls for Slater to be reinstated for their must-win second Origin match in Sydney later this month.
Bellamy said it wasn't his call to make but would like to see his fullback return to representative football.
"That's their business; he's been playing great footy for so that's up to the selectors," the coach said.
"I would love for him to be back in Origin again but that's Queensland's decision."
