NRL fans erupt over 'classless' Billy Slater moment

Fans at the NRL grand final have been absolutely slammed for their ‘disrespectful’ treatment of Billy Slater.

As is customary on grand final night, players retiring in 2018 were paraded onto ANZ Stadium in front of the packed crowd.

The retiring heroes were widely applauded by supporters, until Slater’s name was read out.

Not on the field because he was preparing to play, Slater was shown on the big screen warming up in the sheds.

But as the announcer called out Slater’s name, he was met with resounding boos from the passionate Sydney crowd.

Social media was immediately flooded with condemnation for the ‘classless’ act.

The sell-out crowd would have been majority Roosters fans, most of which are still fuming at the fact that Slater was cleared to play the decider after his shoulder charge ban was overturned.

But to boo during a celebration of his storied career drew the ire of neutral fans.

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Mitchell adds to Slater’s pain

The Sydney crowd weren’t the only ones giving it to Slater, with Latrell Mitchell also sticking the boot in one the match got underway.

The Roosters star appeared to put his knees into Slater after scoring a barnstorming try early in the first half, before also offering some choice words.

The huge effort from Mitchell gave the Roosters an early 12-0 lead.

Cronk cleared to play

Cooper Cronk was earlier passed fit to play in the decider against Melbourne.

The Roosters halfback was named in the final line-up an hour before kick-off, one week after suffering a “severe” rotator cuff injury in their preliminary final win.

Utility Paul Momirovski dropped out of the 17-man team, while Storm veteran Ryan Hoffman was also overlooked for a farewell in his final season.

with AAP