Is Billy Slater the NRL X-Factor?

Announces himself as a superstar of the future with a dazzling 60-metre run to score on debut with just his sixth touch in the top grade. His try sparks a stunning Melbourne comeback as they prevail 36-32 after trailing 22-0.

Slater plays a key role in Melbourne’s thrilling 12-10 win, pulling off a miracle try-saving tackle to deny Adam Dykes a certain four-pointer then winning a penalty in the final seconds to give Cameron Smith the chance to slot the winning goal.

Slater scores a stunning solo try after fielding a Warriors kick near his own try-line and beating two defenders to race away before embarrassing fullback Brent Webb with an unlikely dummy to score a memorable try. Melbourne win 42-6.

Produces three huge plays as the Storm come from behind to upset Brisbane 31-14. He begins by setting up a try for Matt King with a bullet pass, pulls off a try-saving tackle on a runaway Darren Lockyer, then scores a try of his own to propel Melbourne to victory.

Slater creates a magical try out of nothing, beating half a dozen players in a scything run before offloading for Steve Turner to score as the Storm win a thriller 10-4. Slater also produces two crucial tackles to deny Darius Boyd and Brent Tate try-scoring opportunities.

Leading 12-6 with three minutes to play, Slater produces a wonderful cover tackle on runaway Eels back-rower Brett Delaney to secure victory for his side and eliminate Parramatta from the finals race.

Pulls off a miraculous tackle to hold up a try-bound Ben Hannant with just three minutes remaining, paving the way for Melbourne to steal a stunning 16-14 victory when Greg Inglis scores with the final play of the game.

Slater becomes just the fourth man in 50 years to score four tries in a finals match as Melbourne thrash Manly 40-12 in their qualifying final at Etihad Stadium. Slater crosses twice in the first half and has his hat-trick by the 44th minute before sealing his place in the record books in the final minutes.

Scores a try in the decider after backing up an Adam Blair bust in the 55th minute, extending Melbourne’s lead to 22-6 and ending hopes of an Eels comeback. 

Scores a miraculous try against the Titans with eight minutes remaining – coming from the clouds to haul in a Cameron Smith cross-field kick and somehow ground the ball inches before sliding over the dead-ball line. It completes his third consecutive try-double to start the year and also sees him become the most prolific fullback of all-time with 130 career tries.