Which brings us to Billy Slater's boot, which had everyone in a lather following Thursday night's match against the Bulldogs, during which the Melbourne fullback was penalised and placed on report for an alleged kick. It was another potentially dangerous situation, but there's a difference. Had Bulldogs front-rower David Klemmer not attempted a tackle on Slater, neither player would have been placed in a dangerous position. Slater should be warned about stretching his leg out so dramatically as he leaps in future, and he should attempt to change his technique - which was probably honed because of the prospect of being tackled while in the air - but it was still instinctive, and understandable. A player was about to attack him when he was vulnerable, and, with his hands holding the football - assuming it was deliberate (and that is by no means certain) he thrust out the only defence available. Those who have criticised Slater might try having their legs taken from under them while a few feet in the air before doing so again.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/panel-in-a-bind-as-hit-highlights-grey-areas-20130324-2go1v.html#ixzz2OUdXcyiX