NRL legends Billy Slater and Cameron Smith to be given statues out front of Melbourne’s AAMI Park

He hasn’t even retired yet! Cameron Smith is to be immortalised with a bronze statue outside Melbourne Storm’s stadium – and Grand Final loser Billy Slater gets one too

  • Melbourne Storm legends Billy Slater and Cameron Smith will receive statues
  • The statues will be erected out the front of Melbourne’s AAMI Park 
  • They will be paid for by the State Government, the NRL and the Melbourne Storm

Cameron Smith and Billy Slater are set to be immortalised, with bronze statues to be erected in their honour.

Melbourne Storm duo Billy Slater and Cameron Smith will receive bronze statues out the front of Melbourne’s AAMI Park, after Slater played his last ever game in the NRL on Sunday.

Victorian Sports Minister John Eren made the announcement in front of hundreds of rabid Storm fans on Monday afternoon following their Grand Final loss at the hands of the Sydney Roosters, spoiling Slater’s fairytale farewell.

His partner-in-crime, Cameron Smith, has not announced his retirement, though the 35-year-old is expected to make a decision on whether he will play on within the coming weeks.

Melbourne Storm legends Cameron Smith and Billy Slater (pictured) will receive statues

Their statues will be erected out the front of Melbourne's home ground, AAMI Park

Their statues will be erected out the front of Melbourne’s home ground, AAMI Park

Mr Eren led a ‘ten more years’ chant in front of the rampaging crowd, jokingly trying to change Slater’s mind about stepping away from the game.

‘I have a special announcement. Just to make sure that they are immortal forever and a day, the State Government along with the NRL and Melbourne Storm will invest in statues for Billy Slater and Cameron Smith.’

Slater said he was honoured.

‘My kids will be able to grow up in this town and see their dad and what their dad has done for our game in this state.’ 

Slater said he is honoured and proud of the work he's done to bring rugby fans to Melbourne

Slater said he is honoured and proud of the work he’s done to bring rugby fans to Melbourne

The Storm have only been in the NRL for 20 years, with Slater wearing their kit for 16 of those years.

‘It’s a sporting city and they’ve welcomed this game and our clubs with open arms and you see the support that we get from our fans.

‘We put 26,000 people in AAMI Park in our last game, that’s phenomenal for a team where the game is only 20 years old in this state.’

The duo’s statues will perch out the front of AAMI Park, only a short walk from the bronze homages to cricket legends Shane Warne and Don Bradman at the neighbouring Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

The statues will be paid for by the Victorian State Government, the NRL and the Melbourne Storm. 

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