NRL: Billy Slater set for one more season

Billy Slater of the Storm with the NRL trophy. Photo / Getty

Clive Churchill medallist Billy Slater seems set to to stave off retirement and have one final NRL campaign with Melbourne.

The Storm star was hesitant to commit to playing on after being crowned man of the match in Sunday's grand final win over North Queensland.

However Slater was less reluctant when pressed on the topic on Monday morning.

"I've always said it was a physical thing for me and physically I'm feeling okay," he told reporters outside the team hotel in Sydney.

"I'm more than likely going to play on next year but until I can definitely give you an answer, it's hard for me to say for certain one way or another.

"It's not fair on anyone if I come out and say one thing and then do a backflip a week later."

Slater broke down in tears after capping off his storied comeback from double shoulder surgery that stole all but one game of a two-year period between 2015-17.

The 34-year-old is without a contract for next season but is believed to have all but agreed on a one-year contract extension to play on in 2018.

Slater felt his body remained strong given his age and 15 years in the NRL, however is intent on making the right decision both for his family and the club.

Youngster Jahrome Hughes is the club's long-term solution at fullback.

Slater was one of many standout performers in the 34-6 win over the Cowboys after scoring a try and having a hand in two others.

It was the second time Slater was awarded the medal, however the State of Origin star spoke openly of the physical and mental battles he endured during his attempts to return.

All the memories came flooding back when he was called on stage to receive the award.

"I suppose when you go through what I've been through, it's hard not to be emotional. I love this game, I love playing this game and that was taken away from me," Slater said.

"I worked seven, eight months really hard to go all the way back to the start, a little bit like snakes and ladders. That was heartbreaking for me to get that news.

"I thought of all those things and emotion gets the better of me sometimes and that's what overflowed on the stage."