5 days ago
NRL rule that allowed Panthers trainer on the field during controversial moment
A moment involving a NRL trainer once again caught the attention of commentator Andrew Voss in Penrith's 22-18 defeat to the Storm but it was within the rules. With 60 seconds left of play, after Nathan Cleary already had his first field goal ruled out for blocking, the Panthers got the ball back from a charge down on the halfway line.
Penrith were in fantastic field position when fans noticed a blue trainer sprint onto the field during their set. The trainer was seen right behind the attacking line and was beside Cleary when he was getting ready for his third field goal attempt.
Storm forward Trent Loriero showed determination to charge down Cleary's attempt to win the game and take the clash to golden point. But Fox Sports commentator Andrew Voss immediately called out the image of a blue trainer once again on the field.
'Penrith trainer on the field, no surprise,' Voss said during Fox Sports commentary. Voss moved to clarify his comment having suggested the trainer didn't do anything wrong, but raised the image of trainers on the field is becoming a talking point.
'By the way, the commentary on the trainer, they all do it,' he said. 'Don't think I'm pinpointing Penrith but in a big moment, I'd much rather the players decide it.'
The blue shirt trainer was well within his rights to enter the field for the Panthers with the team getting the ball back. Trainers are meant to leave before tackle five, but Cleary went for the field goal on the third tackle with a few seconds left.
This meant the trainer didn't have to leave the field and was within his rights to relay messages or provide water. Voss has already called for the NRL to implement a rule change around trainers that would eliminate many of the issues and frustrations from fans.
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NRL set to take action over trainer involvement
Plenty of NRL supporters have called for less trainer involvement going forward with a number of controversies in 2025. The NRL hit the Panthers with a hefty breach notice that factored in the four-time reigning premiers' history of trainer misconduct after Corey Bocking's incident against the Titans.
Bocking was initially handed a five-game suspension for the regular season, with the club also needing to pay $50,000. Earlier this season, footage of Penrith trainer Shane Elford spraying water on the ball before a kick-off against the Cowboys caused uproar.
While last week, a ball bounced and hit a Cowboys trainer running behind play in a crucial moment of the game. Trainer involvement has become a frustrating issue for fans who don't want to see a game interrupted by someone not playing.
And this week, reported the NRL had sent a letter warning clubs they would take action if trainers push the rules. The game's officials are reportedly frustrated with recent controversies and will take action if any trainer is seen flouting the rules.
'All NRL ground managers will conduct pre-game briefings with trainers from both clubs 60 minutes before kick-off," the briefing read. 'Breaches may not only result in financial penalty but can also result in suspension or cancellation of accreditation. It is strongly suggested that all trainers are reissued with a copy of the rules that clearly set out the limitations of each role.'
