In a recent NRL match, North Queensland’s thrilling 30-30 draw with the Panthers became the centre of controversy due to a trainer’s antics involving wetting the ball. Following the game, footage emerged showing Penrith’s trainer, Shane Elford, spraying water on the game ball, inciting frustration among Cowboys supporters.
In a peculiar turn of events, the Cowboys attempted a similar tactic during the second period of extra time at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Cowboys trainer Mitch Dunn was caught in the act attempting to dampen the ball, but was swiftly halted by referee Todd Smith, who expressed his disapproval. “Hang on, no, no, no … give me the ball,” the referee insisted, emphasising, “You’re not doing that. No way, get another football.” He subsequently sent the soaked ball to the sideline, leading to a brief pause as perplexed Cowboys players inquired about the delay, to which Smith responded, “He squirted it with water.”
It remains unclear whether the NRL will pursue any disciplinary action against either Elford or Dunn. League legend Billy Slater weighed in on the situation, suggesting that while the tactic was cheeky, it could potentially warrant a warning rather than any severe punishment. He commented on the growing trend of teams aiming to exploit the rules for competitive advantage. “If you’ve watched the Panthers closely, they’ve been at the forefront of finding an edge for years,” Slater noted. He acknowledged that while the intentions behind the actions may push the limits of acceptability, they reflect the evolving strategies in the sport.
Ultimately, this incident brings to light ongoing discussions regarding the tactics employed by teams in their quest for victory, as they constantly search for innovative ways to gain an upper hand without crossing line of legality within the game’s rules.