Billy Slater sees a problem with the Knights disappearing to Bali for their bye round and it centres on the Indonesian island’s reputation for making people sick.
The Storm legend has swiped the Knights in the wake of Phil Gould’s takedown of a cluster of Newcastle players holidaying in Bali as the rest of the competition heads to Brisbane for Magic Round.
“You are paid to train and play, that’s what you are paid to do,” Gould said on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus podcast.
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“Find something else to do, find another job if you don’t want this job.”
Slater pointed out the health risks Bali poses when asked about the Knights’ bye-round venture on Wide World of Sports’ The Billy Slater Podcast.
“Anyone that’s been to Bali knows the risks around Bali. It’s very easy to get sick. If the grand final was the following week, after the bye weekend, would you go to Bali? … I don’t think anyone would risk it,” Slater said.
“So, if we’re talking about how important two points are every week — and, boy, they’re important for the Knights at the moment — I personally wouldn’t risk it.”
Slater did note the Bali trip could have a positive mental impact on the Knights, who are floundering in 14th on the ladder after the opening nine rounds.
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Adam O’Brien’s men suffered their heaviest loss of the season yet in their most recent outing, copping a 43-12 hiding at the hands of the Eels last Friday.
“This might be a good thing for them, to get their head away from Australia, get their head out of rugby league for a little bit and then come back a little bit fresher,” Slater said.
“But I’m with Phil,” the champion fullback added.
“I think the risks around going to a country like Bali — they’re way too big for me … How many people go over there and get sick? And then they’re in bed for five days.”
A bye was scheduled for every round of the 2023 regular season because of the Dolphins’ entry into the competition, which took the number of clubs to 17.
The opening night of Magic Round, Friday night, will see the Bulldogs meet the Raiders from 6pm and the Sea Eagles face the Broncos from 8.05pm.
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