LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Billy Slater has expressed that the NRL should take the blame for ongoing trainer controversies, rather than the clubs themselves. This statement comes following rising frustration among fans over several controversial incidents involving trainers. Recently, incidents involving Penrith trainers during their match against Gold Coast and a North Queensland trainer during the game against the Eels have heightened tensions.
These events have reignited calls for the NRL to impose stricter regulations on trainer participation during matches. According to News Corp, league officials will discuss potential changes at the end of the season, including limits on the number of trainers allowed on the field, how often they can enter the playing area, and at which points.
For many fans, the excessive presence of trainers has been a long-standing issue. Slater, the coach of the Maroons, believes that accountability for these controversies should lie with the NRL for creating an environment where clubs can push the limits of trainer involvement.
The NRL recently fined the Panthers $50,000 and banned trainer Corey Bocking for five games after an incident where he obstructed Jayden Campbell during a goal attempt. Another trainer, Shane Elford, also violated NRL regulations by remaining on the field while issuing instructions to players after the fourth tackle, just before Nathan Cleary's crucial field goal.
Reflecting on these controversies, Slater acknowledged the "concern" they present for the sport but noted that coaches will continue to utilize trainers for tactical advantages as much as the NRL permits. He remarked that top teams often thrive on pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable, suggesting that the NRL has "dropped the ball" on enforcing stricter guidelines for trainers.
During an episode of Nine's The Billy Slater Podcast, he highlighted the detrimental impact of trainers on the field: "We were talking about the incident with the Panthers trainer... the one out there communicating with players (Elford) through the whole set. That's when it starts contributing to the performance, that's where it is a concern. And it is a huge benefit..."
Slater further pointed out that trainers, many of whom are former players and part of the coaching staff, bring valuable game intelligence to the field: "If you've got a coach on the field... when you have that football IQ out there communicating with the team, (it gives them) a huge benefit. Clubs, coaches, and players, they do what they can get away with. It's not necessarily about playing to the rules; it's about playing to the standard that has been accepted."