The NRL’s decision to suspend Penrith trainer Corey Bocking until the finals has sparked a divisive reaction among former players and coaches. The league issued a breach notice on Monday, imposing a $50,000 fine on the Panthers. The hefty penalty was partly due to the club’s prior disciplinary issues involving trainers earlier in the season.
In a separate incident, trainers Shane Elford from Penrith and Mitch Dunn from North Queensland were both banned for one match for interfering with play by squirting water on the ball. This latest controversy highlights a pattern of Penrith trainers finding themselves at the centre of rule infringements.
Two-time premiership winner Andrew Johns dismissed Bocking’s actions as mere gamesmanship. In contrast, former NSW coach Brad Fittler argued that the Gold Coast Titans should have been afforded another attempt at goal. Phil Gould, an official with the Bulldogs, labelled the NRL’s response as “the greatest beat up I’ve ever seen in rugby league,” pointing out that social media sentiment seems to have influenced the league’s actions.
Gould added that the trainers are simply doing their jobs, which sometimes leads to incidental conflicts during matches. He questioned the fairness of incorporating the club’s previous infractions into the current punishment.
The Panthers defended Bocking’s actions, claiming they were unintentional and occurred due to confusion after a last-minute change. The club expressed that upon recognising the mistake, Bocking promptly apologised. They emphasised that there was no intention to violate the rules or gain an unfair advantage.
Looking ahead, NRL chief Andrew Abdo stated that trainers will be reviewed during the end-of-season assessment. He acknowledged the fans’ frustrations, affirming the NRL’s commitment to refining on-field rules to enhance the viewing experience.
In conclusion, the incident has reignited discussions on trainer protocols in the NRL, as the league contemplates necessary adjustments in response to ongoing controversies. The contrasting opinions from players and officials reflect the complex dynamics of managing game play while ensuring fair competition.