Either you didn't read my post or are deliberately misinterpreting!! I never said rule was wrong
(I understand why the NRL brought the rule in and agree with the purpose of it)
One of the issue we have in NRL is this "Black & White" nonsense creating arguments on every call. This all stemmed from improved camera technology and the ability to quickly look at replays. This then lead to the TV "experts" scrutinising every play and pompously calling right or wrong. The irony is that if a ruling didn't go the way they wanted it was because the ref had no "feeling" for the game. This of course lead to every man and his dog becoming instant experts and able to declare a deep understanding of what should have been ruled - because "rules are rule" right
.
This of course suits the avid fans when they lose a close one as the other side was always offside or the final try was from a forward pass!! (never an act committed by their side)
It is plainly obvious that our best games are the ones that flow with limited input from the ref, however they can only do that if the powers that be let them run the game from feel and not want this "black & white" interpretation of everything. We saw the debacle early in the season when refs tried to "ref to rule"
The whole point is not that the shoulder charge rule is wrong, just the black & white charge aspect of it. By all means penalise and put on report any instances but let someone with a bit of sense have a look at the actual offence and rule from there.
There is reasonable argument in regard to Slaters attempt to tackle, the intent of the tackle and precedents to get him off but unfortunately we may be locked into this "black & white" nirvana some crave.
If he is suspended (likely) I am sure the grading will be changed to reflect an ability to assess each case fairly.
The leaders of our game are quick to point the finger at players bringing our game into disrepute, well Slaters suspension would be just another example of the league shooting itself in the foot and yet again making us a laughing stock......
