EXCLUSIVE: Billy Slater urges against forward pass technology after Latrell Mitchell match-winner
Updated . First published at
Billy Slater has cautioned against bringing in forward pass technology, despite admitting that Latrell Mitchell's match-winning pass had a "question mark" on Friday night.
With the game on the line, the Rabbitohs superstar threw a bullet-like cut-out pass to Isaiah Tass, who scored what ended up being the deciding try in the 20-14 victory.
The piece of brilliance to sink the Roosters was replayed everywhere in the days that followed, with Latrell receiving plenty of praise for the clutch moment.
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However, there were some who found issue with the pass - including Slater - with plenty of screenshots doing the rounds on social media.
Latrell Mitchell's pass to Isaiah Tass. Nine
It has since led to renewed calls for the NRL to introduce technology that would allow the Bunker to rule on forward passes.
Speaking on Nine's Billy Slater Podcast, the topic was put to the Maroons coach, who shut down the suggestion despite his own thoughts on the round five incident.
"I'm gonna say no, I don't think we need that," Slater said.
"Unless we've got a camera that is gonna go along the sideline and follow the exact line of the football, I don't think we can rule on it.
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"The touch judges have got the best view and they very rarely get it wrong.
"I've got the question mark over Latrell Mitchell's forward pass to win the game against the Roosters, I think that was forward - but I'm happy to wear a mistake here and there when we get it right 99 per cent of the time.
Billy Slater has questioned Latrell Mitchell's late pass. Nine
"I think there would be more controversy if we do sit there and analyse it on television and go on replays that aren't directly in line with the pass.
"There's other elements that come into it - the momentum of the runner and how fast they are going. There's other things you have to factor into it and that's where the human element of the touch judge comes in, they can read that."
At this stage, there hasn't been any indication from the NRL regarding a change to the Bunker being able to rule on forward passes, nor an admission regarding Latrell's pass.
