Billy Slater's incredible act of sportsmanship in defeat

Amid the heartbreak of having his fairytale finish ruined, Billy Slater showed his absolute class in defeat.

The Storm superstar is living proof that fairytales don’t always have happy endings.

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The retiring Melbourne superstar was looking to end his 319-game NRL career with another premiership at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.

But the game didn’t go to script, with the Sydney Roosters crushing the Storm 21-6.

However Slater produced a remarkable act of sportsmanship for victorious former teammate Cooper Cronk.

Instead of wallow in defeat, Slater made a beeline for Cronk to congratulate him on an extraordinary grand final performance.

Booed for most of the game, Slater may have won some fans back as he sought out Cronk on the bench immediately after full-time.

“He’s a really good mate of mine and it was really tough to see him play the second half (injured),” Slater said.

“What a courageous effort…I’m shattered for our team but I’m just really proud of him.”

Slater said friendship was just one thing he would take from his career.

“I am really grateful for the career I have had and for the friends I have made,” he said.

“Rugby League has taught me a lot of things – selflessness, respect, and I appreciate everything that everyone has done for me.”

Slater was all class in defeat, heaping praise on the Roosters.

“This finish is not how we planned, but that’s footy,” Slater said.

“We tried our best, but that is the way it goes sometimes.”

The 35-year-old almost didn’t make his final farewell game – he had to overturn a shoulder charge ban at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night to even take his place.

With passionate Roosters fans making up about 90 per cent of the grand final crowd, they made it clear they were unhappy with the decision.

Warming up for the game, Slater missed the parade of retiring players but the former Test fullback was booed when the ground announcer called out his name.

And once the match was underway he was also targeted by the Roosters faithful each time he touched the ball.

Not that he got to do that as often as usual with Roosters’ five-eighth Luke Keary’s kicking game limiting Slater’s impact on the match.

Slater wasn’t able to add to incredible tally of 23 tries in the finals, including one in each of his past three grand finals.

with AAP