The NRL’s ball tampering controversy has taken a new twist as the North Queensland Cowboys find themselves embroiled in the scandal. On Monday afternoon, footage emerged showing the Cowboys’ trainer engaging in similar actions to those that recently drew criticism towards Penrith’s trainer.
The controversy began when viral footage captured Penrith’s trainer, Shane Elford, spraying the ball with liquid from a water bottle before the golden point period. The Steeden was visibly wet when handed to fullback Dylan Edwards for the kick-off. This incident has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny within the league.
New Footage Implicates Cowboys
In a surprising development, CODE Sports has released footage showing Cowboys trainer Mitchell Dunn engaging in the same practice. After receiving the ball from referee Todd Smith, Dunn appeared to spray it with water before passing it on. The referee, visibly frustrated, intervened immediately.
“Hang on, hang on, no, no, no, no, no, nup, nup, give me the ball. You’re not doing that. No way, get another footy, another football,” Smith was heard saying. “He squirted it with water.”
Smith then kicked the ball to the sidelines, requesting a new one to continue the game. The incident has prompted the Cowboys to be contacted for comment regarding the footage.
Expert Opinions and Reactions
The revelation has led to a flurry of reactions from commentators and former players. Fox League commentator Andrew Voss voiced his disapproval on SEN’s Vossy & Brandy show, emphasizing that trainers should not interfere with the game equipment.
“Trainers, don’t touch our balls,” Voss stated. “Under no circumstance should trainers be touching the balls. It’s a bit odd and it’s a really quick fix.”
Voss further questioned the effectiveness of the act, pondering whether any water remains on the ball after it is caught by a player. Panthers legend Greg Alexander weighed in, suggesting that the act might be more foolish than deceitful.
“Maybe it’s more of an act of stupidity than cheating? The science of it might actually dismiss it as an act of futility that achieves absolutely nothing,” Voss added. “I think he (Elford) should be fined.”
Alexander concurred, noting, “It doesn’t look good.”
Potential Consequences and League Response
The incidents from Saturday night are now under review by NRL officials. According to CODE Sports, it is expected that the league will issue a directive reminding trainers of the regulations surrounding equipment handling. This move aims to prevent future occurrences and maintain the integrity of the game.
The NRL has faced similar controversies in the past, with equipment tampering occasionally surfacing as an issue. This latest development has reignited discussions about the role of trainers during matches and the potential impact of their actions on game outcomes.
As the league prepares to address this issue, teams and trainers may face stricter guidelines and potential penalties for non-compliance. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining fair play and transparency in professional sports.
As the NRL navigates this controversy, fans and stakeholders await the league’s official response and any subsequent actions that may be taken. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.
