Brad Fittler has warned the shoulder charge could come back into the NRL if retiring Storm champion Billy Slater's grand final ban is overturned.
Melbourne's bid to have Slater's judiciary hearing brought forward to today has been knocked back by the NRL due to logistics, with the Storm to argue Slater had no choice but to make his unconventional tackle on Sosaia Feki.
That sentiment is gathering momentum across the game as Immortal Darren Lockyer became the latest big name to defend Slater's try‑saving tackle, contending that his cover defence effort should not be treated as dangerously as a traditional front‑on shoulder charge.
Melbourne are pulling out all the stops to ensure Slater's 317‑game career does not end with a suspension.
Melbourne Storm will meet the Roosters in the NRL Grand Final at 9.20pm Sunday.
[Source: NRL.com]
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