LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Six Reasons for Massive Penrith Penalty

The NRL's chief executive, Andrew Abdo, has disclosed that Penrith trainers have been implicated in six distinct on-field violations since 2021. Bulldogs' Phil Gould criticized the club's $50,000 penalty and Corey Bocking's five-match suspension as "the greatest beat-up I have ever seen in rugby league."

Bocking received a five-game suspension for obstructing Gold Coast's Jayden Campbell as he attempted a conversion that could have secured a four-point lead for his team with just five minutes left on the clock.

This provoked Campbell, who ultimately missed the attempt. Nathan Cleary responded by kicking a two-point field goal, pushing the game into extra time, where Penrith ultimately secured victory through a golden-point try from Blaize Talagi.

Titans coach Des Hasler expressed his belief that the Panthers would indeed face repercussions, while Ivan Cleary maintained it was merely an honest mistake. The club reaffirmed this stance in a statement following the breach notice.

The NRL highlighted Penrith's previous infractions in the breach notice. Earlier this year, Shane Elford was suspended for throwing water on a ball during a game against the Cowboys, indicating that the club's actions have not gone unnoticed.

"I think it's important to note that the Panthers will have due process and they have an opportunity to respond to the breach notice, but it's important to note there have been six separate incidents involving Penrith Panthers trainers since 2021," Abdo stated.

"So while we treat every incident on its own merits, taking into account the fact there have been several indiscretions by trainers from that club, it was important for us to take the action that we've taken."