General Discussion Thread

[Goonji]

Gould doubles down on criticism of NRL in ‘stupid’ Panthers trainer debate
ByBillie Eder

August 6, 2025 — 3.40pm

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has doubled down on his criticism of the NRL after it fined the Panthers and banned trainer Corey Bocking, describing the punishment and coverage of the incident as “the biggest overreaction of all time”.

Speaking on his Six Tackles With Gus podcast on Wednesday, Gould said the whole saga was “even stupid to talk about” after NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo defended the punishments.

The Panthers were fined $50,000 and Bocking was handed a five-match ban after he ran in front of Titans goalkicker Jayden Campbell as he lined up a sideline conversion attempt on Saturday.

Abdo said people were entitled to their opinion, but officials “discussed and debated quite vigorously” how to deal with the incident after Gould called it “the greatest beat up I’ve ever seen in rugby league” on 100% Footy on Monday.

Panthers trainers have been involved in six separate incidents since 2021, and while the NRL reviews each incident individually, Abdo said it was important for the governing body to factor in those past indiscretions when taking action this time.

But Gould was steadfast on Wednesday, calling the incident “rubbish”.

“Young Campbell was able to restart his routine to try and kick the goal,” he said. “Now, if he had kicked the goal and Titans had won the game, do you think we’d be hearing about this again? Not in your life ... I think it’s such a ridiculous overreaction.”

Gould said he believed the incident was an “honest mistake” by the Penrith trainer.

“He got in the way, he didn’t realise it, he waved sorry and ran the other way,” Gould said.

“Honestly, all he [Campbell] had to do was reset himself and kick the ball. But all this rubbish now, the fans go off and then everyone reacts to it ... I find it honestly the biggest beat up of all time ... But the bottom line is they [trainers] don’t do it deliberately, and they’re not hurting anyone, and they’re not helping anyone.”

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/go...-panthers-trainer-debate-20250806-p5mkuj.html

Opinion
NRL 2025
Michael Chammas
Sports reporter

 

[Oldpanther86]

The attack on Penrith and their trainers on NRL 360 last night was disgusting and slanderous.
They went completely over the top and despite somebody saying that all clubs do the same things it was ’yea we know but this mob are arrogant and have been doing constantly’.
Penrith should look at taking legal action over some of the things they said.
Gordan Tallis keeps on with his $50000 well spent comments which are disgusting.

Bro messed up one of the most basic components of a highly competitive spectator sport worth millions or it was deliberate either way he's gotta wear the criticism.

 

[Oldpanther86]

Watch who you calling a bitch, bitch

My money's on chins.

 

[Bred not Bought]

Massive overreaction. I agree with Gould.

 

[BxTom]

Don't watch 360. Don't care about their rantings.

Ditto, meaningless drivel.

 

[ColdWetPanther]

Gould doubles down on criticism of NRL in ‘stupid’ Panthers trainer debate
ByBillie Eder

August 6, 2025 — 3.40pm

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has doubled down on his criticism of the NRL after it fined the Panthers and banned trainer Corey Bocking, describing the punishment and coverage of the incident as “the biggest overreaction of all time”.

Speaking on his Six Tackles With Gus podcast on Wednesday, Gould said the whole saga was “even stupid to talk about” after NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo defended the punishments.

The Panthers were fined $50,000 and Bocking was handed a five-match ban after he ran in front of Titans goalkicker Jayden Campbell as he lined up a sideline conversion attempt on Saturday.

Abdo said people were entitled to their opinion, but officials “discussed and debated quite vigorously” how to deal with the incident after Gould called it “the greatest beat up I’ve ever seen in rugby league” on 100% Footy on Monday.

Panthers trainers have been involved in six separate incidents since 2021, and while the NRL reviews each incident individually, Abdo said it was important for the governing body to factor in those past indiscretions when taking action this time.

But Gould was steadfast on Wednesday, calling the incident “rubbish”.

“Young Campbell was able to restart his routine to try and kick the goal,” he said. “Now, if he had kicked the goal and Titans had won the game, do you think we’d be hearing about this again? Not in your life ... I think it’s such a ridiculous overreaction.”

Gould said he believed the incident was an “honest mistake” by the Penrith trainer.

“He got in the way, he didn’t realise it, he waved sorry and ran the other way,” Gould said.

“Honestly, all he [Campbell] had to do was reset himself and kick the ball. But all this rubbish now, the fans go off and then everyone reacts to it ... I find it honestly the biggest beat up of all time ... But the bottom line is they [trainers] don’t do it deliberately, and they’re not hurting anyone, and they’re not helping anyone.”

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/go...-panthers-trainer-debate-20250806-p5mkuj.html

Opinion
NRL 2025
Michael Chammas
Sports reporter

There is a link in here to a SMH article that I think details the ‘6 incidents’ that Abdo references. Anyone able to see those and cut and paste into the chat?

I am loathe to actively extend this discussion, but I must admit I am curious.

 

[martielang]

I enjoy NRL360. Tallis is such a dumb merkin it's hilarious. I don't have much issue with any of the journos - we're all trying to make a living.

 

[soc123_au]

I enjoy NRL360. Tallis is such a dumb merkin it's hilarious. I don't have much issue with any of the journos - we're all trying to make a living.

Same, it's not popular opinion to enjoy it, but I'd say plenty say they don't watch to be edge lords. It's still on for a reason. Crawley annoys me, the rest have redeeming features, even the old drunk.

 

[Black Panther]

Why would we purposely f**k up/cheat at that time when we were already 2 points down, our trainers already under the microscope, ensuring a heavy fine was guaranteed? Makes no sense Gordie.

If you're going to cheat at least do it to win the game.

We have the Goat in our team, a 2 point field goal was always on the cards. A lot more pressure to do a short kickoff, regain the ball and then score a try and convert to win if Campbell kicks the goal.

 

[Oldpanther86]

My question is why the f**k was Elford directing the best half in the game to take the field goal. Is he a child?

 

[Abacus]

His dad would have kicked it. (Anyone have a gif of Preston's 2003 GF conversion?)

 

[Goonji]

There is a link in here to a SMH article that I think details the ‘6 incidents’ that Abdo references. Anyone able to see those and cut and paste into the chat?

I am loathe to actively extend this discussion, but I must admit I am curious.

Repeat offenders: Why the NRL came down hard on Panthers trainers

ByChristian Nicolussi and Neil Breen

Updated August 5, 2025 — 3.37pmfirst published at 11.55am

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/an...-kicked-vital-field-goal-20250805-p5mkex.html

Panthers trainers have been involved in no less than six different incidents since 2021, including running into the path of a goal-kicker, which is why the NRL acted so strongly following Saturday’s incident on the Gold Coast.

Yellow-shirt trainer Corey Bocking was banned five matches – and Penrith fined $50,000 – after Bocking ran in front of Titans goal-kicker Jayden Campbell as he lined up a sideline conversion attempt.

Another Panthers trainer, Shane Elford, also appeared to flout the NRL rules when he remained on the field longer than he should have when Nathan Cleary tied the match with a crucial two-point field goal against the Titans.

This masthead can now reveal Penrith’s rap sheet – including Elford upsetting Reece Walsh, who was then with the Warriors, as he kicked a goal during a game in 2022.

Elford is seen running back towards the halfway line on the opposite side of the field to Walsh, but did enough to enter his line of sight and upset him to the point he complained to referee Peter Gough.

Commentators could not work out why Walsh was pointing to Elford as he spent nearly 30 seconds blowing up at Gough.

The five other incidents, which have resulted in warnings and fines, are:

• September 2021 – Head physio Pete Green unnecessarily stopping the semi-final against Parramatta in 2021.
• June 2023 – A blue-shirt trainer making contact with referee Adam Gee.
• May 2024 – Bocking making a comment to a referee about a decision.
• March 2025 – Elford gesturing at the referee.
• May 2025 – Elford squirting a football with a water bottle in Townsville.

The Panthers said the weekend incident was “an honest mistake”, and there had been “no intent to breach the rules or gain an advantage”.

“The circumstances involved a late change and in-the-moment confusion, but we understand that does not excuse the outcome,” the Panthers said in a statement.

Speaking at Tuesday’s Indigenous Round launch, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said: “It’s important to note there have been six separate incidents involving Penrith Panthers’ trainers since 2021.

“Whilst we treat every incident on its own merits, taking into account the fact there have been several indiscretions by trainers from that club, it was important for us to take the action we’ve taken.

“We’re not questioning the integrity of the club or the player. There’s a simple rule, that rule has been broken, and whether it was by accident or not, it’s a breach.”

Abdo said the incident was “a very unusual circumstance, one we don’t often see, and one which we hope not to see again”.

Phil Gould, who is also the general manager of football at the Bulldogs, said on 100% Footy the NRL’s sanctions were “the greatest beat up I’ve ever seen in rugby league.”

Abdo said people were entitled to their opinion, but officials “discussed and debated quite vigorously” how to deal with the incident.

In the minutes after Corey Bocking ran in front of Campbell, Elford was spotted on the field, well after the fifth tackle, as Cleary performed his heroics.

Elford should have left the field after the fourth tackle. As a blue shirt trainer, Elford is allowed to enter the field during any stoppage, as well as to “run messages” three times per half, but must leave the field after the completion of the fourth tackle.

He was clearly on the field for the entire duration of the fifth tackle, directing players as the Panthers desperately moved the ball from left to right in an attempt to obtain field position for Cleary’s attempt at a two-point field goal.

Panthers trainer Shane Elford appeared to be on the field for longer than allowed as Penrith set-up for a field goal that tied the match against the Gold Coast Titans.

A breakdown of Saturday’s vital set of six shows he was clearly in breach of the rules.

At the turnover: With 2:54 left in the match, Elford enters the field of play, and Dylan Edwards plays the ball on his 10-metre line.

Tackle one: The Panthers go for a one-man hit up, and Elford is behind the line in front of the goal posts, talking to players.

Tackle two: Another hit up, and Elford is directly behind the play the ball.

Tackle three: He remains there as the Panthers swing left and make it to just short of the 40-metre line.

Tackle four: Elford is behind the first receiver as the Panthers swing right and get the ball down to just short of the Titans’ 20-metre line on the right-hand side of the field in close proximity to the sideline near the team benches. At the completion of this tackle, he is supposed to make his way off field.

Tackle five: As the Panthers scramble toward the 20m line, Elford does not head to the sideline. He stays right behind the play, directing traffic as the ball swings left all the way to the far sideline. He remains in the middle of the field telling players where to position themselves. As the fifth tackle is made, he is finally heading toward the sideline, which should have occurred a tackle earlier.

Emma Kemp
Sports reporter

Tackle six: He moves toward the sideline as Mitch Kenny passes to Nathan Cleary for the two-point field goal. As he is leaving the field, he is still directing players to protect Cleary and is on the field of play near the sideline when the field goal is successful.

He was out there for one minute and twenty seconds.

The NRL said on Tuesday that breaches similar to this are to be dealt with by the ground manager on the day, and only repeated transgressions would attract an NRL sanction

NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now

Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.

 

[Whino]

What trainer doesn't stay on the field for the duration for the set. They all do it. Allan Langer used to do it all the time. Dubbed the 14th man.

The other incidents are piss weak minor.

I would like to see what other clubs have received warnings and fines over trainer incidents the last 2 years.

 

[ColdWetPanther]

Repeat offenders: Why the NRL came down hard on Panthers trainers

ByChristian Nicolussi and Neil Breen

Updated August 5, 2025 — 3.37pmfirst published at 11.55am

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/an...-kicked-vital-field-goal-20250805-p5mkex.html

Panthers trainers have been involved in no less than six different incidents since 2021, including running into the path of a goal-kicker, which is why the NRL acted so strongly following Saturday’s incident on the Gold Coast.

Yellow-shirt trainer Corey Bocking was banned five matches – and Penrith fined $50,000 – after Bocking ran in front of Titans goal-kicker Jayden Campbell as he lined up a sideline conversion attempt.

Another Panthers trainer, Shane Elford, also appeared to flout the NRL rules when he remained on the field longer than he should have when Nathan Cleary tied the match with a crucial two-point field goal against the Titans.

This masthead can now reveal Penrith’s rap sheet – including Elford upsetting Reece Walsh, who was then with the Warriors, as he kicked a goal during a game in 2022.

Elford is seen running back towards the halfway line on the opposite side of the field to Walsh, but did enough to enter his line of sight and upset him to the point he complained to referee Peter Gough.

Commentators could not work out why Walsh was pointing to Elford as he spent nearly 30 seconds blowing up at Gough.

The five other incidents, which have resulted in warnings and fines, are:

• September 2021 – Head physio Pete Green unnecessarily stopping the semi-final against Parramatta in 2021.
• June 2023 – A blue-shirt trainer making contact with referee Adam Gee.
• May 2024 – Bocking making a comment to a referee about a decision.
• March 2025 – Elford gesturing at the referee.
• May 2025 – Elford squirting a football with a water bottle in Townsville.

The Panthers said the weekend incident was “an honest mistake”, and there had been “no intent to breach the rules or gain an advantage”.

“The circumstances involved a late change and in-the-moment confusion, but we understand that does not excuse the outcome,” the Panthers said in a statement.

Speaking at Tuesday’s Indigenous Round launch, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said: “It’s important to note there have been six separate incidents involving Penrith Panthers’ trainers since 2021.

“Whilst we treat every incident on its own merits, taking into account the fact there have been several indiscretions by trainers from that club, it was important for us to take the action we’ve taken.

“We’re not questioning the integrity of the club or the player. There’s a simple rule, that rule has been broken, and whether it was by accident or not, it’s a breach.”

Abdo said the incident was “a very unusual circumstance, one we don’t often see, and one which we hope not to see again”.

Phil Gould, who is also the general manager of football at the Bulldogs, said on 100% Footy the NRL’s sanctions were “the greatest beat up I’ve ever seen in rugby league.”

Abdo said people were entitled to their opinion, but officials “discussed and debated quite vigorously” how to deal with the incident.

In the minutes after Corey Bocking ran in front of Campbell, Elford was spotted on the field, well after the fifth tackle, as Cleary performed his heroics.

Elford should have left the field after the fourth tackle. As a blue shirt trainer, Elford is allowed to enter the field during any stoppage, as well as to “run messages” three times per half, but must leave the field after the completion of the fourth tackle.

He was clearly on the field for the entire duration of the fifth tackle, directing players as the Panthers desperately moved the ball from left to right in an attempt to obtain field position for Cleary’s attempt at a two-point field goal.

Panthers trainer Shane Elford appeared to be on the field for longer than allowed as Penrith set-up for a field goal that tied the match against the Gold Coast Titans.

A breakdown of Saturday’s vital set of six shows he was clearly in breach of the rules.

At the turnover: With 2:54 left in the match, Elford enters the field of play, and Dylan Edwards plays the ball on his 10-metre line.

Tackle one: The Panthers go for a one-man hit up, and Elford is behind the line in front of the goal posts, talking to players.

Tackle two: Another hit up, and Elford is directly behind the play the ball.

Tackle three: He remains there as the Panthers swing left and make it to just short of the 40-metre line.

Tackle four: Elford is behind the first receiver as the Panthers swing right and get the ball down to just short of the Titans’ 20-metre line on the right-hand side of the field in close proximity to the sideline near the team benches. At the completion of this tackle, he is supposed to make his way off field.

Tackle five: As the Panthers scramble toward the 20m line, Elford does not head to the sideline. He stays right behind the play, directing traffic as the ball swings left all the way to the far sideline. He remains in the middle of the field telling players where to position themselves. As the fifth tackle is made, he is finally heading toward the sideline, which should have occurred a tackle earlier.

Emma Kemp
Sports reporter

Tackle six: He moves toward the sideline as Mitch Kenny passes to Nathan Cleary for the two-point field goal. As he is leaving the field, he is still directing players to protect Cleary and is on the field of play near the sideline when the field goal is successful.

He was out there for one minute and twenty seconds.

The NRL said on Tuesday that breaches similar to this are to be dealt with by the ground manager on the day, and only repeated transgressions would attract an NRL sanction

NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now

Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Goonji]

Thanks for sharing.

You’re welcome.