Forget the saga: Time to cheer on great of our game

We now get to see the greatest fullback of my time play his final game in the grand final.

Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater. Picture: CRAIG GOLDING

THE biggest grand final story in many years has now played out with the rugby league world going into meltdown.

The guilty faction yelled loud that it was a shoulder charge and Billy Slater didn't wrap his hands to make the tackle.

The not guilty parties yelled it was more a bump but the arms were out and first contact was not the shoulder making it a fair play.

Whatever side of the fence you sit on, he has been cleared after a mammoth hearing and will play an important part in Sunday.

Social media as always brings out the experts that seem to know everything without looking at the facts.

Most comments against Slater were because they are not a fan of Billy. They were not from Queensland or they supported another team.

If the shoe was on their club's foot would they react the same way?

If you look through the list of players that have been found not guilty a week before the big day then you will find a lot of clubs have benefited from a not guilty verdict.

People must take the emotion out of it and judge with both eyes open. Sometimes I doubt this happens.

In the wash-up, we now get to see the greatest fullback of my time play his final game in the grand final.

I will be sitting in the stands cheering on a man that has changed the way fullbacks now play the game.

Brilliant Brittany

THE highest award in the NRL and AFL were awarded this week with no real surprises.

The two favourites going in were Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (NRL) and Tom Mitchell (AFL). Both saluted, walking away with the Dally M and Brownlow Medal respectively.

Dally M Female Player of the Year Brittany Breayley. Picture: Brett Costello

Ipswich was represented on the big Dally M night with Brothers player Brittany Breayley claiming the women's top honour.

Breayley has enjoyed a fantastic season at all levels of the game and was a worthy winner of the first ever Women's Dally M.

Her focus will now switch to game mood as she tries to deliver the Broncos the inaugural Women's NRLW title on Sunday.

Quick thoughts

HERO of the week: Queensland Bulls player Chris Lynn has started the season in great form by blasting a 64 ball century in a demolition of South Australia. If he keeps this fantastic form up then we might need a few more balls supplied at his games.

Villain of the week: Former Bulldog and Parramatta player Tony Williams for his second failed drug test. When will players learn to leave drugs alone?

Did you know? Melbourne Demons full forward Fred Fanning holds the record for most goals in a match. He kicked a phenomenal 18 goals against St Kilda in 1947.

Bomber's best: I put the kiss of death on the Tigers and Demons with both losing AFL semi-finals.

It's grand final weekend and I tip the Roosters and Magpies to lift their respective trophies.