Australian Coach Mal Meninga says resurgent Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater has the inside running for the Kangaroos fullback position at the World Cup.

It comes after the custodian was picked at the back in the first ever Kangaroos Origin Merit side.

“Billy has been absolutely tremendous for the Storm since his comeback and was instrumental in Queensland’s success and that’s why he’s got the No.1 jersey,” Meninga told SEN radio.

“There’s a lot of competition at fullback with Darius Boyd, Josh Dugan and James Tedesco but Billy’s got the inside running.”

Slater’s return to the International stage would cap a remarkable comeback from serious shoulder surgeries.