Billy Slater says his shoulder has "settled down" after the Australia star gave Melbourne Storm a scare in their World Club Challenge victory over Leeds Rhinos.
Two-time World Cup winner Slater jarred his troublesome left shoulder in the 39th minute, but described it as "alright" in a half-time interview before making way as a precaution.
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Having twice undergone reconstruction on the same shoulder previously, the 34-year-old later added that he felt it best to come off in his side's season opener.
"I just fell on my shoulder a little bit awkward trying to get out of the in-goal," Slater told Channel Nine.
"It was a little bit of pain to start with but it's settled down really well.
"It was just before half-time so I just thought [it best to come off] given it's my first game. It's just one of those things where your arm slides out underneath you. It's not the best position."
Melbourne cruised to a 38-4 win against Leeds, adding to last year's NRL Grand Final triumph, much to the delight of captain Cameron Smith.
"It's a really nice way to cap off what we did last year," he said. "It's a different team, but it's nice to add more silverware and get our 2018 season started, too."
