Penrith trainers have been in the headlines often this season and another curious moment involving them was pinpointed during the Panthers’ loss to the Storm on Thursday.
In the seconds before Nathan Cleary’s charged down field goal attempt in the 80th minute, a Panthers trainer was seen behind the play for several tackles.
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It was noted by commentator Andrew Voss as the Panthers readied themselves for a last minute, game winning field goal attempt.
“Penrith trainer on the field, no surprise,” Voss said immediately before Cleary’s field goal attempt was charged down by Storm lock Trent Loiero.
As the buzzer sounded to signify the end of the initial 80 minutes, Voss clarified his comments.
“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.”
There’s no suggestion the Panthers trainer did anything wrong, as blue shirt trainers are able to relay messages three times a game, as long as they are off the field by the 4th tackle of the set.
Voss’ comments highlighted the extra focus on trainers at the moment – especially Penrith ones – given the recent incidents around the league.
A Panthers trainer was suspended for five games and fined $50,000 for running in front of Jayden Campbell as he was lining up for a conversion.
Earlier in the season, another Panthers trainer was caught dousing the ball in water before it was kicked off to the opposition at the start of golden point.
There was also a Cowboys trainer who got too close to the play last Sunday as he was hit by a loose pass.
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The NRL have acted swiftly, reportedly sending out a warning to teams this week.
The role of trainers was also discussed on Tuesday night’s episode of NRL360, with league legend Gorden Tallis slamming the increased presence of the hi-vis army.
“The trainers shouldn’t go on unless there’s an injury,” Tallis said.
“They are on in the first minute giving advice. They are giving some of the greatest players in the game advice.
“Just give a penalty. Make them lose the ball.”
Foxsports.com.au’s Paul Crawley didn’t necessarily believe a rule change had to be enacted but says that referees need to have a no-nonsense approach.
“What I don’t understand is you have the Bunker, two touch judges and a referee. If the spot a trainer on the field (when they shouldn’t be), why doesn’t the referee stops the game, takes the momentum out of the team’s attack and only restart the game when the trainer gets off the field?” Crawley said.
