It’s a debate which has raged on since the Canberra Raiders and Melbourne Storm game on Saturday.
In this week’s edition of At The Bar, Hillston legend Michael ‘Speedy’ Stratton and The Area News’ sports journalist Liam Warren sit down to chat about Soliola’s tackle and some surprise results in Group 20.
Speedy: What did you think of the Melbourne Storm, Canberra game on Saturday
Liam: The Raiders were never in it and how Sia Soliola wasn't sent off for clocking Billy Slater like that is beyond me
Speedy: I cannot believe that. I have been a follower of rugby league for more years than I care to remember and that is the most blatant thing I have ever seen. When he hit him, Slater had gotten rid of the ball a full second he could have pulled out of the tackle he had plenty of time, but he just kept coming. Slater would have relaxed his body as soon as he passed the ball so he wouldn't be so tensed up and he has coped the shot. If he doesn't get a month or six weeks.
Liam: I reckon he will be lucky to play another game this year.
Speedy: I hope you are right. A leading sports writer must have been on another planet because he said he fell into the tackle and it's not that bad. All I can say is I'd like to fall into Catherine Zeta Jones arms like that.
Liam: It was just a blatant cheap shot
Speedy: It was nothing more and nothing less
Liam: What did you make of the group 20 games on the weekend speed a couple of interesting results with West Wyalong defeating Black and Whites.
Speedy: That is a big shocker. As Kenny Wells said to me a few weeks back he said Black and Whites will be there, I think Tahs will be there and he said there is a sleeper, West Wyalong.
Liam: They had a bit of a slow start, but they seem coming good now.
Speedy: Wyalong is like this. It has been proven over the years with the Mallee Men when you count them out that is when they find their feet. Do you think Yenda beating Yanco was a surprise?
Liam: They are fairly close on the table and it will mean a fair bit when it comes down to that last finals spot
Speedy: So if Yenda keeps winning they are in contention for a finals place.
Liam: It is pretty close down that end of the ladder. If Yenda keeps going the way they are, I think they can just squeak in.
Speedy: I was a bit surprised by the Point Waratahs result. I picked Waratahs, but I didn't think it would be a blow out like that in the second half after it being 6-6 at half time.
Liam: Tahs just clicked into gear in the second half throwing the ball around with ease and finding gaps.
