Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater will be taking some of his knowledge across codes when he begins a part-time coaching role with St Kilda in the AFL.
After 319 NRL games, Slater retired following Melbourne's 21-8 grand final loss to the Roosters a week and half ago.
The 35-year-old was announced as a member of Craig Bellamy's coaching staff at the Storm for next season, guiding the young backline and attack.
Announced on Wednesday, Slater will be juggling that role with one the Saints where he will be helping the leadership and development of the club.
MORE: All the latest news and rumours on every player and club
As well as being regarded as one of the greatest fullbacks of all-time, Slater's on-field leadership and communication is often cited as one of his biggest strengths.
St Kilda footy boss Simon Lethlean said Slater would bring a lot to the struggling Saints.
"Billy’s sporting resume is second to none, and he will add great value to our club," Lethlean said.
"He’s been an impressive leader in his own right, but he’s also been a key member of a culture that is highly respected across all sports.
"He will work closely with our current leaders as well as our emerging leaders to help them develop their leadership capacity and optimise their professionalism and performance."
Slater isn't the only coaching link between the two codes in recent times, with former Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell holding a leadership mentoring role at the Storm for several seasons.
St Kilda haven't featured in the finals since 2011 and finished a disappointing 16th last season.
They will be hoping one of rugby league's modern greats can help bring about a change in fortunes.
Slater represented Queensland 31 times as a key member of their period of dominance over New South Wales, while also being capped 30 times for the Kangaroos.
He won just about every accolade including a Dally M Medal, two Clive Churchill Medals, two premierships, two World Cups and a Golden Boot.
