Champion fullback Billy Slater will play in the NRL grand final after being found NOT guilty of a grade-one shoulder charge.

The Melbourne Storm star was sanctioned with a grade-one shoulder charge for a hit on Cronulla Sharks winger Sosai Feki in the 14th minute of Friday’s preliminary final.

35-year-old Slater slammed Feki over the sideline to prevent a try, a move that threatened his hopes of ending his remarkable career in a grand final.

Slater fronted three members of the NRL Judiciary tonight in the hopes of beating the charge.

During the hearing, Slater told the judiciary his intention was to make a tackle “the whole time”.

Slater’s lawyer addressed the panel and attempted to prove the champion fullback “did not make a conscious decision” to use his shoulder.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy attended the hearing, the first time he’s done so in 16 years.

After close to an hour of deliberation, the NRL judiciary has found Slater not guilty, which will allow him to play in the NRL grand final against the Roosters on Sunday.