Scott Drinkwater to take Billy Slater’s famous No. 1 shirt at Melbourne

Young gun Scott Drinkwater will get first shot at the full-back role vacated by legend Billy Slater.

Former Australia and Queensland star Slater hung his boots at the end of last season and has left a gap in Craig Bellamy’s side.

Drinkwater, who is the brother of Hull KR star Josh, will compete for the position alongside Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen for Storm’s trial match against New Zealand Warriors on Friday.

“I am excited as it has been a long tough pre-season,” Drinkwater told NRL.com.

“This Friday night is going to be a big occasion for me because I came into this pre-season focused on the No. 1 jersey and nothing else.

“Billy and I have a good relationship, he has said that if I need any help that he’s only a phone call away.

“He comes into training, gives me tips, he will get me before a meeting and show me clips from training on where I can improve and stuff like that.

“And if I see something at training that I am unaware of, I can cut it up on a computer and send it to him. He can look at it and write a message.”