NRL Judiciary comes to a decision on Billy Slater’s grand final fate
Champion fullback Billy Slater will play in the NRL grand final after being found NOT guilty of a grade-one shoulder charge.
It will allow him to play in the NRL grand final against the Roosters on Sunday.
The Melbourne Storm star was sanctioned with a grade-one shoulder charge for a hit on Cronulla Sharks winger Sosai Feki in the 14th minute of Friday’s preliminary final.
35-year-old Slater slammed Feki over the sideline to prevent a try, a move that threatened his hopes of ending his remarkable career in a grand final.
Slater fronted three members of the NRL Judiciary Tuesday night in the hopes of beating the charge.
During the hearing, Slater told the judiciary his intention was to make a tackle.
His lawyer addressed the panel and attempted to prove the star fullback “did not make a conscious decision” to use his shoulder.
These Macquarie Radio listeners are split on the decision.
Click PLAY below to hear their takes on the charge
Former Judiciary Chairman Judge Paul Conlon tells Steve Price the panel was clearly satisfied the forceful contact didn’t involve an “unacceptable risk of injury”.
“That panel last night, they could’ve been satisfied that what Billy did was use his shoulder and that there was forceful contact. But that’s not the end of the matter.
“There’s more than that.
“They have to be satisfied that there was an unacceptable risk of injury.
“Everybody’s missed this point.”
Mr Conlon says he “totally disagrees” the decision had anything to do with the grand final or Slater’s final game.
Click PLAY to hear the full interview
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