LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
A second trainer from the Penrith Panthers is under scrutiny after an incident surrounding Nathan Cleary's crucial field goal against the Titans rekindled calls for an immediate rule change in the NRL. Following their dramatic victory, the Panthers faced significant penalties, including a hefty fine of $50,000 and the suspension of trainer Corey Bocking for five games due to his interference with Titans' player Jayden Campbell during a critical moment.
The controversy escalated when footage emerged showing Shane Elford, another Panthers trainer, seemingly violating NRL regulations leading up to Cleary's game-tying kick. On a recent episode of NRL 360, the clip revealed Elford-dressed in Panthers apparel-delivering instructions to players right up until the decisive moment following the fifth tackle. According to NRL rules, trainers in blue shirts are required to leave the field after the fourth tackle, allowing limited presence only during stoppages or for a maximum of three messages per half.
Elford's actions reignited debate, particularly since he had previously stirred controversy earlier in the season by being "caught spraying the ball with water" before a kickoff. The fresh footage sparked heated discussions on NRL 360, with veteran journalist Paul Crawley criticizing Elford's behavior as disrespectful to NRL regulations.
"This is Shane Elford out on the field, the Panthers trainer," Crawley commented while showcasing the footage. "They've got to be off by tackle four. And he's stayed on for every tackle, and stayed on for tackle five as Nathan's lined up for the field goal."
The analysts noted Elford's ongoing attempts to position players just moments before Cleary's kick. Crawley pointedly remarked on the timing of the incident, which followed closely after Bocking's infraction, prompting him to demand accountability from the NRL.
"He's finally got to the sideline right at the end and he hasn't stopped giving his messages the whole way. So this is minutes after (the Bocking incident)," Crawley added. "You know what this is? This is an up yours, a stuff you, to the NRL rules. They couldn't care less what the rules are."