Stamp of Approval for a Suzuki Legend

LAVERTON, AUSTRALIA – Feb 3, 2012: Suzuki Ambassador and Melbourne Storm star Billy Slater has had his status as legend made official.

Slater, judged Rugby League’s international player of the year in 2011, has been immortalised as one of Australia Post’s coveted legend series.

He joins seven other Australian champion footballers as part of an ongoing series recognising the elite of Australian sport.

He was joined by John Raper, Gary Ablett Jr, Ron Barassi, Mark Schwarzer, Joe Marston, David Campese and David Pocock.

The 2012 Australia Post Australian Legends were honoured at the official Australia Day lunch in Sydney, where they were presented with a 24-carat gold replica of their stamp.

Australia Post Managing Director and CEO, Ahmed Fahour, said the 2012 Legends were chosen for their contribution to Australian sporting culture and for playing a vital role in shaping Australia as a great sporting nation.

"These eight football legends have inspired millions of Australians with their remarkable achievements - both on and off the field. The stamps will be a constant reminder of the history these players have created - whether it be in Australian rules, football, rugby union or rugby league," Mr Fahour said.

To select the eight individual recipients of the 2012 Legends Award, Australia Post established expert judging panels for each of the four codes - comprising a journalist, a broadcaster and a former champion player.

The Australia Post Australian Legends Award began 15 years ago when Sir Donald Bradman was the first living Australian to be honoured on an Australian stamp. Prior to that, the only living people honoured on our nation's stamps were members of the royal family.

Slater, who last year became the Storm’s greatest try scorer, said he was humbled and honoured to receive the Australia Post Australian Legends Award.

"There's so many great players to choose from and to come up with my name is very satisfying and I suppose not just for myself but for my family," he said.

The Legends feature on 8 x 60c stamps, a stamp pack, first day cover and set of maxicards. Accompanying the stamp issue is a commemorative biography, titled The Top of Their Game, written by leading sports authors from each code.

Slater is the second Suzuki ambassador to be honoured with their own stamp, joining Olympic and world aerial champion Lydia Lassila, who was awarded the tribute in 2010 after her gold medal winning jump.