NRL: Billy Slater shoulder injury not serious say Melbourne Storm

Melbourne are confident Billy Slater won't miss the start of the NRL season despite injuring his shoulder in the first half of the Storm's World Club Challenge win over Leeds.

The veteran fullback didn't return for the second half of the 38-4 win over the Super League champions at AAMI Park, after jarring his shoulder.

A club spokesperson said it was a "precaution" that Slater sat out the second half, with the injury not serious, and the Test star appeared out on the ground for the presentation without any obvious strapping.

It is believed to be his left shoulder, which had also kept him out of the 2016 season and the start of last year.

He was asked about the injury by Nine Network commentator Darren Lockyer as he left the field at halftime and replied it was "alright, mate".

Slater looked in sparkling form in the opening 40 minutes despite only resuming training three weeks after the Rugby League World Cup.

The 34-year-old was the man of the match in the Storm's grand final victory over North Queensland.

Melbourne open their season on Saturday March 10 against Canterbury in Perth.