'Pinching myself': Fans blown away as staggering Billy Slater development made public

Former Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater has reportedly signed a two-year deal to become the club's next head coach, replacing Craig Bellamy from 2024.

The news was first reported by The Daily Telegraph on Monday, and has since been confirmed by several other media outlets.

Slater, who retired from playing in 2018, has been working as an assistant coach with the Storm since 2020.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fullbacks of all time, and his appointment as head coach is a major coup for the Storm.

Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement about the news, with many saying they are "pinching themselves" that it is real.

"This is the best news I've heard all year," one fan wrote on Twitter.

"Billy Slater is a legend of the game, and I can't wait to see what he can do as a coach," another fan wrote.

Slater's appointment is a sign of the Storm's commitment to long-term success.