NRL bans Penrith trainer, fines club $50k for conversion interference
The NRL confirmed the stunning penalty on Monday which came as a result of 'previous breaches by Penrith Panthers trainers'.
Bocking who ran directly across the path of Titans kicker Jayden Campbell, who was attempting a conversion in last weekend' match.
Campbell had to furiously compose himself and ultimately missed the conversion before Nathan Cleary sent the game into extra time with a long-range field goal.
The Panthers won the match thanks to a Blaize Talagi golden point try which cost the Titans two crucial points in their bid to avoid the wooden spoon.
Penrith Panthers trainer Corey Bocking runs into the path of the Gold Coast's Jayden Campbell as he lines up to take a conversion
Penrith has five days to respond to the notice but was quick to defend Bocking after the NRL confirmed the breach.
'The club is adamant that the actions of the trainer were an honest mistake and there was no intent to breach the rules or gain an advantage. The trainer immediately apologised upon realising the error,' a statement said.
'The circumstances involved a late change and in-the-moment confusion, but we understand that does not excuse the outcome.
'The club will not make any further comment on the matter at this time.'
It's not the first time a Panthers trainer has been involved in on-field drama with Shane Elford and Cowboys counterpart Mitchell Dunn suspended earlier this year for squirting water on the ball, while physio Peter Green was banned in 2021 for incorrectly asking play to be stopped in a finals match.
The NRL made clear that it believed Bocking was in breach of the NRL code of conduct.
'It is alleged the trainer unnecessarily interfered with and distracted Gold Coast Titans player Jayden Campbell as he was attempting a conversion kick, in breach of the NRL Operations Manual and NRL Code of Conduct,' an NRL statement said.
Bocking says sorry to Titans bench. Picture: NRL Photos
'The proposed penalty takes into account previous breaches by Penrith Panthers trainers. The NRL Rules permitting club trainers onto the field will be monitored and strictly enforced by the NRL. The club will have five days to respond to the breach notice.'
Questioned after the game, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said there was a 'lot of stuff going on'.
'He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. We had a sub and I changed it at the last minute,' said Cleary.
'He was trying to communicate with the bench for a late change. There's a lot of stuff going on.
'That's why there was a bit of confusion. It was an honest mistake. He apologised straight away. I'm happy to say we've apologised. It's not something anyone set out to do.'
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