NRL: Locke under pressure to maintain red hot form

Kevin Locke (right) says he has a long way to go to be as good as Billy Slater. Photo / Getty Images

They are similar in size and stature, play in the same position and possess a freakishly similar style but the comparisons don't stop there between Billy Slater and Kevin Locke.

Locke is being anointed as Slater's heir apparent and online forums on both sides of the Tasman are debating whether the Warriors fullback has surpassed the 2008 Golden Boot winner.

Declarations like that are easy to make but difficult to substantiate. What is beyond dispute is that Locke is playing the best football of his short career and he has the chance to further enhance his stocks against the Dragons tomorrow.

Like Slater, he's lightning quick, fearless under the high ball, nimble on his feet, seems to crop up in the right place at the right time and is a surprisingly good defender.

His sliding effort to claim a chip kick and then scoot away 70m for a try was Slater-esque and only fuelled the debate. It might not surprise, then, that Locke had actually watched a replay of Slater's performance against Penrith before his own starring role against the Panthers last weekend.

"It was probably his best game, I reckon," Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said afterwards, "away from home as well.

"He's come a long way, Kevin. If he keeps going like that, things will be good for him but it's his challenge now to back that up next week."

It's something Locke is all too aware of. After an excellent debut season for the Warriors in 2009, when he played mostly on the wing, his form dipped markedly last season and he disappeared from view.

It's part of the reason why the 22-year-old bats off suggestions he's rivalling Slater as the NRL's best fullback.

"It's good if people are saying that but I have a long way to go to be like Billy Slater," he says. "He looks like he's getting better and better.

"He's a star player and someone I idolise. I would love to be like him."

It's little coincidence Locke's game has improved since he was cleared by police after an investigation into an alleged sexual assault. His form has mirrored that of the Warriors as they surge into the playoffs.

Former Kiwis fullback Richie Barnett has been impressed by Locke but is mindful of not making comparisons with Slater too soon.

"I think Billy Slater is one of the best fullbacks I have ever seen," Barnett says. "Locke is developing those skills and is a long way off but he's showing signs of what Slater can do. Last week showed that but it's whether he can do that consistently. Kevin's got it all there but doing it consistently is where most people battle."

It has helped that Locke has been a consistent selection at fullback for most of the season. Glen Fisiiahi was initially preferred in the No 1 jersey before being injured and Lance Hohaia was also given time there before Locke's form proved irresistible.

"I just wanted to do well in the position I always wanted to play and that's fullback," Locke says. "I was given an opportunity by Ivan and I didn't want to let it go. I wanted to show him I'm the man for the job.

"It's a confidence thing for me and I get confidence from being named in the side each week. It buzzes me out. One of the things that has worked for me is trying not to complicate things.

"It has helped that I have put a couple of off-field things behind me. I'm happy in all areas, I guess."