Corrupt. Disgraceful. Backwards.
Those are some of the more polite ways NRL fans described the governing body after Melbourne fullback Billy Slater was cleared to play the grand final on Sunday.
No matter what way Tuesday night’s judiciary hearing went, there was going to be an explosion.
MORE: Billy Slater's not guilty verdict opens up the shoulder charge door, warns NRL pundits
But a not guilty verdict has evidently been the more damaging result.
The decision from a three-man judging panel has sparked accusations of favouritism with suggestions Slater’s stature came into play around the emotion of the game’s showpiece event.
“The enormity of this cannot be underscored,” Ben Ikin told Fox Sports’ NRL 360 said.
“The Melbourne Storm in the face of what to most people was a very black and white rule have had their star player win at the judiciary.
“I’m sure emotion has been involved, the game has taken a strong stance on the exact offence that Billy was charged with and yet he will still take the field.”
One of the most envied clubs in the competition, fans have thrown out the conspiracy theory that a different set of laws apply to Melbourne, and Slater.
Some even went to the extent of claiming the not guilty verdict was already decided before Slater entered the room at NRL headquarters.
Indeed. Common sense to let Billy Slater be above the law hey? What an absolute disgrace.
— Aaron (@AaronRigato) September 25, 2018
NRL decision regarding Billy Slater is an absolute farce. Talk about favoritism. A shoulder charge is a shoulder charge.
— Lynn Murphy (@murlynhorses) September 25, 2018
You’re kidding. The @NRL is a disgrace. Chew it up and spit it out however you want, it was a shoulder charge. He should be watching from the sidelines. The @NRL and their flawed judicial process has chosen a fairytale over what is right and treats fans with contempt.
— Ray Ray (@ayeray83) September 25, 2018
I love Billy Slater, and don't support either team (or QLD or NSW). I would have hated to see Billy miss the GF, but he had to. The NRL have really compromised themselves, and made a bit of a farce of the league and the sport as a result.
— Daniel Smith (@DannyAdelante) September 25, 2018
What a joke!! The only reason he got off is that Slater is a protected species. You've set a very dangerous precedent now. Lookout next season. #slaterthegrub If it was anyone else - they'd be gone for a week, at least
— Jim Cee (@SamuraiJAC76) September 25, 2018
Did anyone seriously think he was ever in danger of missing his last game, the grand final? Seriously? And that says something about the #nrl. Also says something about us as fans of the game what we are prepard to accept. #corrupt #BillySlater #nrlstorm
— Marine Boy (@CAEL8888) September 25, 2018
Weak #nrl make shambles of rules and judiciary with Billy Slater decision. No wonder rugby league is in decline and fans stay away.
— Dr Outside Looking In (@Connundrum54) September 25, 2018
No GF for me it will be just another fixed game from this corrupt administration.
Billy Slater free to play in NRL grand final
— Ron Fitzpatrick (@TelecasterRon) September 25, 2018
NRL don't even try to cover how corrupt they are.I'm done. Been watching for 60 years. NO MORE! https://t.co/mUd0YRI7OG via @7Sport
Amid all the outrage, there was some support for the Queensland legend as his loyal fan base praised the outcome with one last chance to watch the fullback lift a trophy.
Yes @billyslater free to play Grand Final BOOM 💥 https://t.co/0nWVmf3hTW
— Wendell Sailor (@RealBigDell) September 25, 2018
Awesome news for billy slater and the @storm . Can’t wait to hopefully watch this legend go out with a flag...
— Dane Swan (@swandane) September 25, 2018
Good to see @billyslater will play. At the end of the day it’s a Grand Final.
— jarryd hayne (@JarrydHayne) September 25, 2018
Since the verdict, Slater’s odds for the Clive Churchill Medal have changed dramatically, dropping from $13 to $5.
You can expect more favouritism claims if he claims man of the match honours, especially if it’s in similar circumstances to his Wally Lewis Medal victory.
