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Storm legend Billy Slater may have a pleasant full-circle second on Wednesday evening when he coaches the Maroons for the primary time within the metropolis he calls dwelling.

Regardless of being a staunch Queenslander, Slater has resided in Melbourne for the previous 20 years after transferring to the Storm as a teenager and starting his NRL profession.

Quick-forward to 2024 and Slater is now main his state into an enormous State of Origin conflict at one of many world’s most iconic sporting venues.

“I am actually happy with the membership that I performed for and my contribution to rugby league down right here in Victoria,” he stated on Tuesday.

“I’ve known as Melbourne dwelling for the final 20 years. It is given me a possibility to fulfil my dream … the Melbourne Storm gave me that chance.

“It is a fantastic alternative to come back down right here and present our Queensland ardour in a state that I dwell in now. 

“What a possibility for 34 gamers to exit right into a coliseum, an actual iconic venue. They get to carry out in entrance of practically 100,000 folks, so that’s fairly thrilling.”

Present stars Harry Grant and Xavier Coates may even run out on the MCG for the primary time within the careers as Origin returns to the venue for the primary time since 2018.

“One factor with Melbournians that I’ve felt over the previous few years is how a lot they love sport,” Grant stated.

“I do know it is AFL heartland, however all sport normally they actually get behind it. It is very particular for us as gamers to have the ability to be given the chance to play the MCG.”