Great result from the NRL panel as it ruled on the Billy Slater shoulder charge issue. Rugby league has two masters. The first is the set of rules for the game, which dictate all aspects of play on the field. The second master is the entertainment industry, with which it is closely involved for mutually satisfying aims. This is the paymaster, enrolling sponsors and media outlets in all aspects of a highly popular industry. Role models of Slater’s calibre are invaluable to the media industry that has grown up around rugby league. A negative ruling on Tuesday night might have strictly interpreted the rules of the game, but the man’s entertainment value was too great to lose. A shoulder injury in 2015 and shoulder surgery in 2016 interrupted Slater’s playing seasons. While shoulder weakness had been his handicap, it would have been an unfair irony if excessive shoulder force was to terminate his career. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 28Sep2018.