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7 minutes ago
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Calls for NRL rule change after second Panthers trainer involved in alleged breach
A second Panthers trainer is facing scrutiny over a passage of play in the lead-up to Nathan Cleary's game-levelling field goal against the Titans, sparkling calls for the NRL to implement an immediate rule change. Penrith have already been dealt a blow after their golden point triumph over Gold Coast, with the club copping a whopping $50,000 fine and trainer Corey Bocking slapped with a five-game ban for running in front of Titans playmaker Jayden Campbell before he took a shot at goal. But a second incident involving one of Penrith's trainers has since come to light, with vision showing Shane Elford appearing to flout NRL rules in the lead-up to Cleary's two-point field goal that sent the game into extra time. NRL 360 ran the footage on Tuesday night's program which showed Elford - wearing his blue trainers top - running instructions to Panthers players right up until the decisive kick after the fifth tackle. The NRL's rules state that blue shirt trainers must be off the field after the fourth tackle, meaning he shouldn't have been out there in the first place. The rules also state that the trainers are only allowed on the field during stoppages, or to run messages to the team a maximum three times per half. But Elford - who caused uproar earlier this year after being caught spraying the ball with water before a kick-off - seemed to violate those rules on Saturday. The fresh incident led to an explosive debate on Tuesday night's NRL 360 program, with veteran league journalist Paul Crawley describing Elford's actions as 'an up yours' to the NRL rules. 'This is Shane Elford out on the field, the Panthers trainer,' Crawley said as they rolled the vision of the incident. 'They've got to be off by tackle four. And he's stayed on for every tackle, and stayed on for tackle five as Nathan's lined up for the field goal." "This is a stuff you to the NRL rules. They couldn't care less what the rules are."Paul Crawley discusses another instance of the Panthers trainer stretching the rules.📺 Watch #NRL360 on @Foxtel CH 502 or stream on @kayosports: — Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 5, 2025 The panel noted that Elford was even seen waving players into position and trying to direct them around the park, seconds before Cleary's field goal. The fact the incident came moments after Penrith's other trainer Bocking ran in front of Campbell before his shot at goal, left Crawley an incredulous Crawley demanding action from the NRL. 'He's finally got to the sideline right at the end and he hasn't stopped giving his messages the whole way. So this is minutes after (the Bocking incident)," Crawley continued. 'You know what this is?' This is an up yours, a stuff you, to the NRL rules. They couldn't care less what the rules are. 'So the NRL's response to this is that it's up to the ground manager to enforce this but if the ground manager misses it, bloody enforce it afterwards. It shows the arrogance of their trainers at the moment.' RELATED: Eels rocked as third player from grand final team 'requests release' Stunning news about Latrell Mitchell as Bennett axing divides NRL hits Wests Tigers player with fine over 'offensive' gesture Veteran commentator Andrew Voss also expressed his outrage, and called on the NRL to implement a rule change around trainers that would eliminate many of the issues and frustrations from fans. "Can we bring in a rule when a team passes 50 (halfway line), the trainer must get off the field?" Voss posed on SEN radio on Wednesday morning. "They don't need to be there after that. No one needs water and only in the case of an injury. The NRL need to make this change today." NRL explains Penrith's huge sanction after latest trainer drama Elford was fined $10,000 earlier this season after being caught squirting water on the ball during a clash with North Queensland. And it's the repeated infractions from Penrith's trainers that led the NRL to slap the club with such a heavy sanction for Bocking's offence. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo revealed it was the sixth offence from a Panthers trainer in five seasons, with Bocking banned until the finals series. The $50,000 fine was also Penrith's single biggest up-front sanction since they breached Covid biosecurity measures. Penrith have claimed Bocking's actions were an honest mistake but Titans player and most fans are refusing to buy that explanation. And the NRL CEO admitted it had no bearing on their sanctions anyway. "The breach of the rules is not a consideration of whether someone is doing something intentionally or not and we're not questioning the integrity of the club," he said. "This is a simple rule and that rule has been broken, whether it was by accident or not, it's a breach." It not a stuff you to the NRL because the NRL allows them to do it. When you know that there will be no consequences you are going to do whatever you want. Penref know this which is why they will continue to push the envelope — Rabbitoh Robert (@RabbitohRobert) August 5, 2025 This huge pet peeve of mine and it's not panthers specific. Every single club has this especially the bigger clubs and it drives me crazy — Limas (@0xLimas) August 5, 2025 This shouldn't be allowed, but trying to single out Penrith is laughable, literally every team does this. Alfie was famous for it… — Tim (@Tim_Tam98_) August 5, 2025
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Parramatta rocked as third player from grand final asks for immediate release
Parramatta Eels centre Bailey Simonsson has reportedly dropped a bombshell on the NRL club and requested an immediate release from his three-year deal. A two-time grand-finalist, Simonsson is contracted to the Eels until the end of 2027 after signing a three-year extension last season. But the 27-year-old appears to have fallen out of favour with coach Jason Ryles, and was conspicuously absent from the team list announced on Tuesday. With Sean Russell fracturing his hand against the Melbourne Storm last week, Eels fans were expecting Simonsson to be named as his replacement. But Jordan Samrani was named in the centres when Ryles announced his squad to take on the Cowboys on Sunday. Simonsson was left out of the 22-player squad completely, with Ryles preferring a number of younger players to some veteran stars. Simonsson has only played six games in first-grade in 2025, after making a successful return from an ACL injury. He played in Round 19 against Penrith and Round 20 against Canberra, but was dropped last weekend against the Storm. After he wasn't named in the squad on Tuesday, speculation was rife that he may have suffered another injury. But reports soon emerged that he's requested a release from his deal and is looking to leave the club. RELATED: Stunning news about Latrell Mitchell as Bennett axing divides NRL hits Wests Tigers player with fine over 'offensive' gesture Tim Mannah shocked by news about Bailey Simonsson Simonsson was one of the first players extended by Ryles when he took over as Parramatta coach last year. But the rookie coach has been conducting a roster overhaul in 2025, refusing to pick other veterans like Ryan Matterson and Bryce Cartwright - who have both been granted releases. Simonsson could become the third player from the 2022 grand final team to depart mid-season, following the exits of Cartwright and Matterson. "That for me is very puzzling because Bailey has been one of the key signings we've had for the last couple of years," former Parrammatta player Tim Mannah said on NRL Tonight on Tuesday. "He's always done a job for us, so I don't know what the story is there. But I'm a huge fan of Bailey's as well, and I think he's got the right to be in the team." Jason Ryles shaking up Parramatta Eels roster It was stated on the 'Tip Sheet' podcast (hosted by the popular 'The Cumberland Throw' account) on Tuesday evening: "Ryles has already cut a swathe through the playing ranks at the club and clearly wants to have a different face to the roster. If a player wants out, I don't think there will be any hesitation from Ryles to say 'if you want to leave, you're welcome to'." Simonsson has played 101 NRL games across a career plagued by injuries. He played 45 games for the Raiders from 2019 to 2021, and another 56 with Parramatta. He played in the 2019 grand final with Canberra, and the 2022 decider with the Eels - which both resulted in loss. Ryles is clearly keen to prioritise the Eels' future, refusing to pick Dylan Brown for the last month because he's moving to Newcastle next year. With the likes of Isaiah Iongi, Joash Papalii, Dean Hawkins, Ryley Smith, Charlie Guymer and Tallyn Da Silva, the future is bright. However Parramatta fans were left heavily divided on Tuesday after the news about Simonsson came to light. I respect what Ryles is doing, but his omission this week is puzzling. Samrani is ahead of him??? What? — Dasher A (@DavidA_2110) August 5, 2025 He only resigned last year and literally stated wanted to re pay the club for putting trust in him especially during his injuries. If he wants to go I say all the best we have others that can come into his spot. Would love to see him stay but if he wants out, then so be it. — Abbz83 (@abbz83) August 5, 2025 Dammit, was just saying his chance to get back and be a part of our setupSuch a great utility for the backline, damaging meter eating winger or defensive centre — Anth (@ANVL007) August 5, 2025 Bizarre, said he was thankful the club stuck by him — Ricky (@RickyEel) August 5, 2025 What no way — D.\z (@DazNthat) August 5, 2025
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Stunning news about Latrell Mitchell as Wayne Bennett divides with brutal axing
Wayne Bennett is copping heat over the brutal decision to axe Lewis Dodd, amid revelations Latrell Mitchell could be back earlier than expected. Mitchell has missed the last five weeks with a quad injury, and wasn't expected back until Round 23 at the earliest. But the superstar fullback was named on the extended bench for the Rabbitohs' clash with the Titans in Round 22. Named in jersey 22, it means Mitchell could be a late inclusion in what would be a boost to Bennett's quest to avoid a first-ever wooden spoon. Souths are equal on points with the Titans (16) after just six wins from 20 games in 2025. Their inferior points-differential has them below the Titans on the ladder and sitting dead-last heading into Round 22. A loss to the Gold Coast on Sunday would be a hammer blow to Bennett, who's never received the wooden spoon in his long and illustrious coaching career. The late inclusion of Mitchell could see Jye Gray shift to the halves from fullback, although Mitchell could be utilised in the centres to replace Tallis Duncan. A back-rower by trade, Duncan has been forced to play in the outside backs due to the Rabbitohs' insane injury crisis. RELATED: Warriors in brutal setback amid fury over NRL's response to illegal act Ivan Cleary under fire over response to Panthers trainer controversy Wayne Bennett divides fans with axing of Lewis Dodd Despite being without a plethora of first-grade players, Bennett has still found a reason not to pick Englishman Dodd. The $600,000-per season recruit started at halfback last week against the Broncos, but was powerless to stop a 60-14 loss for Souths. The Englishman has paid the price for the record defeat, with Jamie Humphreys and Ashton Ward picked in the halves instead. Bennett has been reluctant to pick Dodd all season, after the half was signed by former coach Jason Demetriou last year. Speaking on SEN radio on Tuesday, former NRL player Joel Caine said the writing is on the wall for Dodd that he needs to leave the club. "You've got to feel for Lewis Dodd. Just get out of there mate," Caine said. "What a rollercoaster ride it's been for him. "He came out here and won a World Club Challenge against Penrith (with St Helens), and was very close to man of the match. And now he's found himself behind Ashton Ward. Bennett is just not a fan of him." Souths fans were also left questioning why Dodd hasn't been given more of chance. He played in the Round 21 loss to Cronulla, which could have been a bigger margin if not for a brilliant try-saver he made on Nicho Hynes. One person wrote on social media: "South Sydney recruitment, just a sad story with no questions raised, zero accountability." Another commented: "Lewis Dodd once again hard done by." While a third added: "Won't be able to blame Dodd this week when you get beat by the Titans. Let's see what what excuses come out after the game." Lewis Dodd insists he's staying at Souths Despite being forced to spend the majority of his time in reserve-grade, Dodd previously stated he won't be angling for a release from his three-year deal. "Wayne likes playing tricks with people, you know what he's like. I can't say a bad word about anything. I'm here for three years," Dodd said last month. "That's the plan. I've done it this year, and got a bit of a chance now. We'll see where that will take me to the off-season and start of next (season)."
