With the Storm and Roosters set to do battle in this weekend’s Grand Final, the big question is should Billy Slater be allowed to play after being charged over a shoulder charge? We have our verdict.
The first thing for us to look at when looking for the answer is what are the rules regarding a shoulder charge?
A player will be charged if:
• The contact is forceful, and;
• The player did not use or attempt to use, his arms (including his hands) to tackle or otherwise take hold of the opposing player.
Let’s look at the tackle in the photo and ask;
- Was the tackle forceful?
- Did Billy attempt to use his arms to tackle?
Yes, the tackle was obviously forceful as it needed to be to stop the try.
Whilst Billy did use his put his right hand on the ball he wasn’t attempting to make the tackle but he was attempting to cover or strip the ball to save the try.
The crucial part of the argument is that Billy did not attempt to use his left arm to wrap up / tackle Sosaia Feki, instead, he tucked the elbow in and led with the shoulder using force to send his opponent over the sideline and save the try.
The one question that really stands out in our mind is if this wasn’t a big name player heading into the Grand Final would they be charged and suspended?
They certainly would!
When every player walks onto the field they are aware of the rules and it has been a well-known fact that if you lead with the shoulder and make first contact with that shoulder you will be punished under the shoulder charge rule.
We understand that it’s a terrible way to end a career and the game would be better for Billy playing on Sunday but you cannot change the rules to suit the players.
Sorry Billy but the ban must stick.
