NRL news 2024: Billy Slater defends Elliott Whitehead, Trent Robinson over hip drop drama, Brandon Smith injury

Billy Slater has defended both Elliott Whitehead and Trent Robinson after their war of words following Sunday’s heated clash, claiming the Raiders back-rower ‘didn’t do a whole lot wrong’ despite being charged for a hip drop.

The veteran Canberra star was sin-binned twice in his side’s 14-12 win over the Roosters, with his ugly tackle on Brandon Smith landing him in hot water.

Whitehead is facing a three-game ban for the incident, which will end his career in the NRL as he prepares for a move back to the Super League next season.

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The 34-year-old also copped some heat from Robinson post-game, with the Roosters coach taking aim at Whitehead’s history of similar incidents.

However, according to Slater, the edge forward can consider himself unlucky.

“To be fair on Elliott Whitehead, Brandon Smith had already sustained that injury in the first half … he strapped it up and kept playing,” he said on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.

“He was visibly injured throughout that whole game, he was hobbling along. No one expected it to be an ACL, even after he went down from the Elliott Whitehead tackle and he went off the field. That was quite a shock to me. 

“It is very unfortunate. I looked at the tackle and initially I actually didn’t think Elliott Whitehead did a whole lot wrong.

“You can find some areas where he didn’t have to twist his body, but he actually went over the top of Brandon Smith – it was nearly a missed tackle.

“I do feel for him to a certain degree and the argument comes off the back of Elliott Whitehead having a previous record in this area of the game and Trent Robinson is very aware of that … even going back to when he was playing in the Super League.”

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Smith is now facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after scans confirmed an ACL tear, with teammate Sam Walker also suffering the same injury in the round 26 loss.

Whitehead revealed in his post-game press conference that Robinson ‘had a go’ at him over the tackle and hit back at the coach, claiming the remarks were ‘out of order’.

But the former Storm superstar and current Maroons coach admits both men have reason to be upset following the incident which will end Smith’s campaign. 

“I think both parties have handled it really well,” Slater said.

“Elliott Whitehead – I believe him that it was a total accident and he has gone up to Brandon to express he’s sorry and to apologise.

“I can understand Trent Robinson’s point of view as well – they are a week away from the semi finals and one of his key position players has just been taken off the field.

“I think he handled it with a lot of calmness and thought and didn’t go over the top.” 

Whitehead was charged for two other incidents in the clash, but both will result in a fine.