World Cup-winning fullback Billy Slater is expected to be ready for round one of the NRL season after undergoing minor knee surgery.

Slater was undergoing a diagnostic arthroscope on his left knee on Thursday following the injury he suffered while playing for Australia at the recent World Cup in the UK.

Melbourne club physiotherapist Tony Ayoub said the procedure was a “minor procedure to clean up his knee”.

“We wanted to be proactive considering he has six weeks off before he starts pre-season in mid January,” said Ayoub.

“The recovery period for this procedure is only 4-6 weeks so this is an ideal time to have it done and it won’t affect his preparation for the 2014 season.”

The Storm open their season against Manly at Brookvale Oval on Saturday, March 8.