The Highlanders first five yesterday revealed his comeback from the worst run of injuries of his career had been forcibly accelerated.
With fellow pivots Chris Noakes and Lima Sopoaga suffering their own blows, Slade had been required to first rejoin the Highlanders backline and then assume kicking responsibilities ahead of schedule.
Slade looked tentative at times in the win over the Waratahs at the weekend, noticeably when he put the ball to foot.
"I'm good enough to play. The running stuff is fine, but with kicking there is a wee bit of an issue with a bit of pain," he said.
"It's unfortunate with our injury situation but I've just got to suck it up and kick.
"I'm quite underdone with my kicking. We had a plan but it sort of went out the window a bit.
"We've had to speed up and probably start kicking two weeks before I wanted to."
After breaking his jaw twice during the 2011 Highlanders campaign, Slade suffered a serious groin injury playing for the All Blacks at the World Cup.
Both his kicking timing and power were still off as a result, but Slade is confident that side of his game will soon be back up to speed.
What he needs most of all is time on the field. The injuries, followed by a hernia operation, have led to months on the sidelines when the 24-year-old should be in the prime of his career.
"It's been a frustrating time. It was great to get 80 minutes against the Waratahs. I think it was the third full game I've had in two years.
"I'm realistic about it. I know I won't be playing my best football until the middle of the season. I'll get some time under the belt and hopefully the skills will pick up."
Slade was seen as a breakthrough signing for the slumping Highlanders when he signed for the franchise two years ago.
His faith in coach Jamie Joseph and the squad he built has paid off. The Highlanders made significant progress last year and are unbeaten after three rounds of this campaign.
"We did quite well last year. This year we're re-adjusting our sights and want to be a genuine contender.
"We like to think we've proven that, even if it's only three games into the season."
Slade has 10 test caps but will face a stiff battle to get back in black this season.
Dan Carter is the incumbent and Aaron Cruden probably the next in line.
Then there is the new wave of young first fives, led by Gareth Anscombe (Blues), Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) and Tyler Bleyendaal (Crusaders).
"You obviously notice the other guys coming through. That probably gives you a bit more motivation to play your best footy.
"For me, I can't look too far ahead. I just want to get myself right and concentrate on what I'm doing for the Highlanders."
Slade has certainly got his off-field life sorted. He and wife Emma were married in Kaikoura at the start of January.
Meanwhile, midfielder Shaun Treeby will continue his comeback from knee surgery with a game for the Highlanders development side today.
Treeby and squadmates Kurt Baker, Telusa Veainu and Elliot Dixon are also playing in the game against Samoa A at Logan Park.