Slater and Roos to stay on booze

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THE Kangaroos won't be put on a booze ban despite the second early morning incident during this World Cup campaign.

Yesterday, team officials leapt to the defence of Billy Slater, who was the victim of an unprovoked attack at a Manchester nightclub on Sunday in the UK.

Police initially took Slater into custody but he was later released without charge - with police saying he was innocent of any wrongdoing.

Police spokesman Adrian Worsley said Slater had left the club at around 2.40am and then returned to collect his jacket when another patron, who had been allegedly arguing with the doorman, hit Slater.

Worsley said Slater then defended himself and struck the man hard enough to knock him backwards.

Slater didn't return to the team hotel yesterday until after 8am and spent the day resting while teammates attended a training session in the lead up to Saturday's knockout quarter final against the United States in Wales.

Rookie forward Josh Papalii was also robbed on his first night in Manchester, allegedly by armed thieves after another night out drinking with teammates.

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Slater last night refused to go into the exact details of what happened, but conceded the attack was a "wake up call" for all players.

"I think we have to be aware of the situations we find ourselves in," he said.

"I suppose it is probably a bit of a wake up call for everyone when we do go out.

"But I hope what happened last night doesn't jeopardise anyone else going out and having a good time because that is certainly what I don't want."

Australian team manager Gareth Holmes said: "The first thing to remember here is the player is the victim.

"The second thing is that this is an eight-week tour and there are times when the players will be given the opportunity to go out and they deserve to be able to that.

"We have great respect for our players and they respect their responsibilities."

The Mojo club, where the incident occured. Source: Supplied

Regardless, the attack on Slater occurred at 2.40am on Monday outside a Manchester nightclub.

Slater yesterday said the first call he made after the attack was to his family back home to let them know he was not injured.

"That was my main priority, to make sure my family knew I was okay," he said.

"It's pretty tough on them being over the other side of the world and hearing stuff like this.

"So that was my main priority, to make sure they knew I was okay."

Asked if he could understand the criticism that players shouldn't be out drinking in the early hours of the morning while on tour at the World Cup, he said: "I can understand that perception too.

"We are over here for eight weeks and it is important to enjoy and celebrate your wins but obviously you'd like to stay away from these situations."

CCTV footage of Billy Slater after the scuffle. Source: DailyTelegraph

Slater's wife Nicole posted an emotional message on Instagram where she said the king hit style attack could have "killed" her husband.

"Someone thought it was ok to punch my husband in the face, because he thought he pushed in line. If he had king hit him and killed him I would have to raise my 2 kids alone," she wrote.

"What has this world come to? I have already lost dad. Makes me sick. Think before u act, there is a family behind everyone. And your actions in that 2 sec can change people's lives 4 ever. This has to stop."

It is understood Slater will be available for Australia's World Cup quarter final against the United States on Saturday in Wales but he said at this point he hadn't contemplated if the incident could cost his place in the team.

He said he would not be pressing charges.

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