Melbourne Storm assistant coach Jason Ryles has confirmed legendary fullback Billy Slater will return from injury in Melbourne’s trial matches and ruled the custodian out of Auckland Nines action.

Slater is on the comeback trail again after only playing a handful of games in the last two seasons.

“(He’ll) definitely be playing in our 13 v 13 trials,” Ryles told Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast.

“It’s not worth the risk sending a player of his quality to the Nines, I don’t think.”

Ryles said that with Slater’s return, rising star Cameron Munster would shift into the halves to partner Cooper Cronk.

“There’s certainly a huge bonus having Bill back and also having Cameron Munster as a bit more of a runner.”