Why Slater was dirty on himself after 'drop-kick try'

Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater has admitted he was dirty on himself for not running the ball when he didn't think his controversial "drop-kick try" would be awarded against the Brisbane Broncos.

NRL referees boss Bernie Sutton has explained that it is within the rules for a player to drop-kick the ball at any time in a match.

"For this to be a drop kick the ball must be intentionally released from the hands and then kicked immediately it rebounds from the ground," Sutton said.

"It is important to note that a drop-kick can occur at any time in a match and does not have to be an attempt at a field goal."

Slater has explained exactly what was going through his head on the field  after scoring following his drop-kick close to the line in the 10th minute of his side's 34-20 win. Referee Ashley Klein referred the try to the Bunker after he had awarded a try.

"I was actually pretty dirty at myself that I didn't run the ball," Slater said after the game.

"I thought there was an opportunity to score there without kicking it.

"I was pretty disappointed initially but as the process went on I thought 'they are going to award this'. I was as surprised as everyone.

"I didn't know the rules. They obviously know the rules better than me."

Slater appeared to say to his teammates on the field that he had dropped the ball.

"I can't remember what I said but all I can say is that I didn't think it was a try at the time," he said.

"Someone made me aware after the game that you can drop-kick it."

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy was also unsure what the ruling was in the aftermath of the match.

"I thought to be quite honest that it was probably a dropped ball too but I wouldn't have put my house on it," he said.