LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NRL fans are demanding an immediate ban on trainers touching the football during games after two controversial incidents involving the Cowboys and Panthers in the Golden Point draw.
Following the game, footage surfaced showing Penrith trainer Shane Elford spraying a water bottle on the football just before a kick in Golden Point.
The situation escalated further when Cowboys trainer Mitch Dunn was caught by referee Todd Smith attempting the same act before the second half of extra time.
Smith intervened, saying, "Hang on, no, no, no ...
give me the ball.
You're not doing that.
No way, get another football." He clarified the issue to a Cowboys player, stating, "He squirted it with water," before removing the ball from play.
The incidents have sparked outrage among fans, with many comparing them to ball-tampering in cricket.
Critics argue that the trainers' actions provided an unfair advantage, making the ball harder to handle for the opposition.
Some fans dismissed the controversy, claiming that wet conditions during play are natural and similar to what occurred in this situation.
However, they emphasized that one is an organic circumstance while the other is a deliberate act intended to disadvantage the other team.
This debate has resurfaced longstanding discussions about the roles of trainers on the field.
Typically allowed only two trainers on the field at a time, their main duties involve providing water and facilitating player interchanges.
However, trainers also often relay information from coaches to players, blurring the lines of their responsibilities.
Many argue there is no justification for trainers to handle the ball during matches, and this incident has only intensified calls for stricter rules.
As frustrations continue to mount in light of the recent drama, the push for a ban on trainers touching the football during NRL games is becoming more vocal.