He broke down in tears and paid an emotional tribute to his wife when he was name the best player in the NRL grand final.
And on Friday, Billy Slater said that his career success was thanks to his wife, Nicole.
Appearing on Today Extra, the Melbourne Storm player claimed that he wouldn’t have succeeded in his return to rugby league following two consecutive years of season-ending injuries without her.
In full support: Billy Slater thanked his wife Nicole after winning the grand final on Sunday, breaking down in tears after explaining how much she has supported him
‘I’ve had two shoulder surgeries in two consecutive years that have kept me out of playing. My wife has had to bare the load,’ he said.
At the NRL Grand Final Billy broke down in tears in front of an 80,000 strong crowd as he paid tribute to his wife.
Speaking of his emotional display to hosts Sonia Kruger and David Campbell, Billy said: ‘All that sacrifice and all that hard work they’ve put in, I just wanted to show my gratitude to them.’
Billy said Nicole was blown away when he referenced her in front of the packed out crowd, and she watched on as he was reduced to tears.
Describing how Origin and the Rugby World Cup would keep him away from home for long periods of time, he said: ‘I know what my wife puts herself through…
‘It’s been a rocky road the last couple of years darl, I certainly couldn’t be standing here without your support’: last Sunday, the 34-year old claimed that he wouldn’t have succeeded in his return to rugby league following two consecutive years of season-ending injuries without his wife’s assistance
‘I think they need a bit of support now and again and for us to show that we are grateful for what they do and how they contribute to our success.’
Billy and Nicole have known each other since they were teenagers, they married in 2009 at a private ceremony in Cairns.
They have two children, Tyla-Rose, eight, and Jake, six.
‘I’ve had two shoulder surgeries in two consecutive years that have kept me out of playing, and it’s not just me going through that – my wife has to bear the load: Billy said Nicole was blown away when he referenced her in front of the packed out crowd, and she watched on as he was reduced to tears
‘I know what my wife puts herself through’: Billy and Nicole have known each other since they were teenagers, they married in 2009 at a private ceremony in Cairns
Happy family: Nicole and Billy have two children, Tyla-Rose, eight, and Jake, six