CCTV: Billy the boxing Kangaroo

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IT'S nearly 3am on the streets of Manchester at the front of a popular nightclub.

Billy Slater is struck on the side of the head by an open-handed shove from a man who thinks Slater is queue-jumping.

The Australian fullback's retaliation, as shown in CCTV footage screened on Channel 7, is swift.

The star No. 1 throws a strong right hand punch, collecting the other man who instigated the incident.

The man then clashes heads heavily with a woman behind him.

She careers away and is comforted by onlookers. The grainy footage shows Slater is not punched by the 40-year-old as had been previously claimed.

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But team officials remain convinced that Slater was in the right.

"The first thing to remember here is the player is the victim," Australian team manager Gareth Holmes said.

"The second thing is that this is an eight-week tour and there are times when the players will be given the opportunity to go out and they deserve to be able to do that. We have great respect for our players and they respect their responsibilities."

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Police initially took Slater into custody but he was later released without charge - with police saying he was innocent of any wrongdoing.

Police spokesman Adrian Worsley said Slater had left the Mojo nightclub at about 2.40am and then returned to collect his jacket when another patron, who had been arguing with the doorman, struck Slater.

Slater didn't return to the team hotel until after 8am and spent the day resting while teammates attended a training session in the lead up to Saturday's knockout quarter final against the United States in Wales.

Billy Slater for the Kangaroos. Source: AFP

It's the second late night incident on this tour, with rookie forward Josh Papalii robbed on his first night in Manchester, allegedly by armed thieves after another night out drinking with teammates.

Slater yesterday refused to go into detail about what happened, but conceded the attack was a "wake up call" for all players.

"I think we have to be aware of the situations we find ourselves in," he said.

"I suppose it is probably a bit of a wake-up call for everyone when we do go out."

Slater said the first call he made after the incident was to his family back home to let them know he was not injured.

"That was my main priority, to make sure my family knew I was OK," he said.

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Asked if he could understand the criticism that players shouldn't be out drinking in the early hours of the morning while on tour at the World Cup, he said: "I can understand that perception too. We are over here for eight weeks and it is important to enjoy and celebrate your wins, but obviously you'd like to stay away from these situations."

The Mojo nightclub, where the incident took place. Source: Supplied

It is understood Slater will be available for Australia's World Cup quarter final against the US, but he said he hadn't contemplated if the incident could cost his place in the team.

Slater said he would not be pressing charges.

Asked to explain exactly what occurred, Slater said: "I'm not going to sit here and go through the finer details of the event

"I think it has been well documented and the police report has the facts in it.

"I'm disappointed that spotlight is on this and not the tournament and the games we've played.

"I just want to express my disappointment there and move forward."

Slater said his main priority after being released by police was ensuring his family back home knew he was okay, with his wife Nicole posting this message on Instagram:

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