Melbourne Storm may have lost Sunday's NRL grand final, but club greats Billy Slater and Cameron Smith will still take something out of the year - statues of them will be placed at AAMI Park.
The 21-6 loss to the Sydney Roosters on Sunday brings down the curtain on a stellar career in disappointing fashion for Slater, while off-contract captain Cameron Smith's future remains clouded.
In response to last night's boos after his final game in the NRL, Slater said he understands the passion of rugby league supporters and playing interstate in Sydney.
"If Wally Lewis can cop boos, I'll be OK with it," said Slater.
"For me, it's not just about last night, it's about my whole career, what I've been able to achieve and what I've been able to do in my rugby league career."
"I would've loved to walk around the ground with the trophy one more time but I'm very grateful to have done that four times. As time goes on, I'll think about does more than this one."
The announcement of the statues for Slater and Smith did, however, provided a great postscript.
Slater's career comes to a close
"I'm very honoured," said Slater. "I'm really proud of my contribution to rugby league in the state. To have a statue of Cam [Smith] and myself next to AAMI Park is something I'm really proud of.
"My kids will be able to grow up in this town and see what their dad's done in this game and state. I'm excited to see what it looks like."
- 'I've come to expect being booed': Slater on hostile farewell
- Frustrated Smith remains tight-lipped on his future
Slater denied any motivation to strive for another premiership next year, despite Melbourne fans' chants of "one more year".
"I'm done, I'm done, it's my time," said Slater. "I have no doubt I could play another year but I've had my fair share of serious injuries and to be able to walk away from the game healthy and fit, I see it as a great opportunity and I've achieved everything I've set out to do.
"I'm looking forward to pursuing other things outside of the game. I have a horse breeding business I'm passionate about and few other things on the go.
"I'm looking forward to staying in the game but also pursuing some other things."
Although Slater's departure leaves incredibly large shoes to fill, he is confident the Storm's success will continue for the foreseeable future.
"I've been involved in eight grand finals in 16 years – that's a fantastic achievement," said Slater.
"We've had starting players moving on every year and the club continues to unearth young talent and bring other guys in.
"The wheel just doesn't stop turning for us. We've got a very professional system here from recruitment to the administration, coaching staff and playing group. If we're willing to work hard enough, they'll give themselves every chance to be there again."
In good news for the club, Cameron Munster and Felise Kaufusi were named in the Australian Test squad while Jesse and Kenneath Bromwich, Jahrome Hughes and Brandon Smith were named in the Kiwi Test Squad.
As for whether Smith will play on next season, Slater predicted he will return to captain the Storm.
"I'd expect him to go on," said Slater. "I haven't spoken to him but that's my gut feeling. I think his intention is to go on. Whether that's changed, I'm not sure."
