Rugby league great Billy Slater unrecognizable in new broadcasting gig with Channel Nine

NRL legend Billy Slater has wowed fans in his new broadcasting role at Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, with viewers blown away by both his riding skills and knowledge.

The Queensland Origin coach is part of Channel 9’s racing coverage  – and conducts post-race interviews with jockeys while in the saddle at Flemington.

But NRL fans don’t need to fear for his safety – Slater is far from a novice when it comes to the sport of kings.

As a teenager, the former Storm fullback famously worked as a trackwork rider for decorated trainer Gai Waterhouse in Sydney – and he owns numerous horses.

Slater and his wife Nicole also manage Slater Thoroughbreds, a high-end breeder of pedigree runners.

‘I feel really honoured, I feel like I’ve got the best seat in the house here in Flemington,’ Slater said on Nine’s coverage on Saturday.

‘This is Sammy, he’ll be looking after me today,’ he said while holding a horse.

‘He’s just having a little nibble on the roses, I don’t know if the groundsmen will be too happy about that.

Slater famously worked as a trackwork rider for decorated trainer Gai Waterhouse 

‘It’s a real surreal moment for myself actually. I get the opportunity to grab and talk to the jockeys directly after they win some of the biggest races of their career.

‘We just had Damien Oliver, the legendary jockey himself, walk past and say g’day. Really pinching myself at the moment.’

Viewers were stunned by Slater’s transformation.

‘Billy Slater killing it. Great call by @channel9 to use Billy in this role,’ posted one X user.

 ‘I don’t know much about Billy Slater but the way he talks about horses warms my heart,’ said another.

A third posted: ‘Loving the Channel 9 coverage of derby day! Great team all working so well together. Billy Slater is an absolute superstar! Proper horseman knows his stuff and such a genuine good bloke.’

Slater and his wife Nicole (pictured) manage Slater Thoroughbreds, a high-end breeder of pedigree horses

Slater says he feels honoured to be in the saddle in his new broadcasting role

The Melbourne Storm great said he was relishing the opportunity, which comes after Nine secured broadcast rights for the race that stops a nation until 2029.

‘It’s going to be so exciting to be on the team for the Melbourne Cup Carnival,’ Slater said on Today in October.

‘I’ll get in behind the barriers [at Flemington] and talk to some of the jockeys after they win some of the biggest races of their life.

‘I might find myself on a horse and get out there amongst it and give the viewers an insight into what they are thinking.

‘Then also how emotional it can be after a race and talking to the jockeys that work so hard to get there.’

Slater recently revealed his weight as a youngster ensured he wasn’t going to forge a career as an elite hoop.

‘Horse racing is something I have always had a passion for,’ Slater told News Corp.

‘I was 16 years old….I finished Grade 11, left school and I was living down in Sydney on my own and working for Gai [Waterhouse].

‘That was a real eye-opener. To see the operation of a high-quality trainer like Gai, it probably helped me subconsciously when I went on to pursue an NRL career.

‘I was [also] about 70kg when I was 16, so I was never going to be a jockey.’