I just can't see how they could come up with Not Guilty. Not without a clear as day rort.
Slater's defence claimed the following:
Billy Slater’s lawyer Nick Ghabar has argued “The rule only requires an attempt, the rule does not require a successful attempt” in his bid to get Slater off the shoulder charge.
The definition of a shoulder charge is “where a defender does not use, or attempt to use, his arms (including his hands) to tackle or otherwise take hold of the opposing player and the contact is forceful. It will be considered misconduct, if any player affects a tackle in the manner as defined.”
His argument is clearly BS. The rule does not only require an attempt, it clear as day says "does not use, or attempt". It doesn't say "and". So either does not use, or does not attempt. So even if they attempt, but do not use their arms, it is a shoulder charge.
And then this:
Bellew also said there are two questions for the panel to deliberate on:
1. Was there forceful contact with the shoulder or upper arm? Bellew says if your answer is no, then he is not guilty.
If you answer yes you need to consider:
2. Was the forceful contact made without Slater using or attempting to use both his arms including his hands to tackle or otherwise take hold of the opposing player.
1. Yes there was.
2. BOTH his arms, including his hands. Even if one hand happens to make slight contact, it is not both. Which is why they often talk about in a grabbing motion, trying to wrap up the runner. So yes again, there was forceful contact made, without using both his arms including his hands.
It is 100%, undoubtedly, to the letter of the relevant law, a shoulder charge.
FMD it's so fucking sad that none of us are surprised, that this is what the NRL is, that they dish up this undisputed bullshit and the fans are just expected to buy it.