The footage raised eyebrows from NRL fans as the Cowboys and Panthers could not be separated.
Fans are calling for the NRL to explain some unusual footage showing a Penrith Panthers trainer pouring water on the Steeden ball only seconds before Dylan Edwards’ kick-off in golden point against the Cowboys. The Panthers and Cowboys were involved in a thriller on Saturday night after Scott Drinkwater prompted a North Queensland comeback that levelled the game heading into golden point.
Nathan Cleary, Drinkwater and Jake Clifford all missed field goal attempts as the sides were involved in the first draw of the 2025 NRL season. There were a number of controversies throughout the game with Cowboys coach Todd Payten questioning a Penrith penalty after the runner appears to fall into Murray Taulagi’s chest. But the referee deemed this a head-high tackle.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was also fuming after it appeared a Penrith kick hit Drinkwater’s toe, before bouncing towards one of his teammates who was offside. Both coaches had to accept a point after a gruelling clash.
Although fan footage has emerged of an unusual moment from Penrith trainer Shane Elford ahead of what appeared to be golden point. The trainer is handling the ball ahead of Edwards’ kick-off when he appears to spray it with water. There is no rule that suggests the trainer can’t clean the ball.
However, a wet ball would certainly put the Cowboys catchers at a disadvantage. The game was played in Townsville and there is no doubt the conditions were humid and slippery. Although the majority of fans were unimpressed with a trainer handling a ball on the field ahead of such a crucial moment.
Others defended the trainer claiming he was just cleaning the ball before handing it over. There is also no suggestion that exact ball was used for the kick-off, although Edwards did approach the kicking tee. Many have called for the NRL to explain the unusual footage with trainers on the field often a controversial topic amongst fans.
During play, NRL teams are allowed two trainers on the field. The trainers are allowed to provide water bottles to the players and help with interchanges. However, trainers often relay information from the coaching staff and help players with directions. The most famous trainer in recent years is Alfie Langer for the Broncos who was famous for running around in the blue shirt. He left his role at the Broncos at the end of 2024.
Cowboys rue missed chances against Penrith
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, they were not able to secure the win after taking four drop goal attempts to win the game. The Cowboys were in great positions on a number of occasions when the clock was ticking down, but were not able to get a clean attempt off.
Coach Payten was left ruing the missed chances, which would have given his team two points against the reigning champions. “That’s two weeks on the trot we’re in winning positions and couldn’t get it done,” Payten said after the game.
“I’m sure I’ll feel a little bit better about it tomorrow but right at the moment it’s just frustration.” But he wasn’t the only coach frustrated with the result.
Ivan Cleary frustrated after Penrith blow lead
Coach Cleary could be seen fuming in the coaching box towards the end of the game when he thought the ball clipped Drinkwater’s boot, before bouncing to his teammate in an offside position. This would have handed his team a penalty with solid field positiion. Regardless, the Panthers gave up a 12-point lead twice during the game and Cleary felt they had their opportunities to close out the contest.
Whenever that happens you feel a little bit disappointed,” Cleary said. “I feel like we should’ve definitely closed it out in the second half but having said that, once it was 30-all, I think we did quite well to not lose.”
While still running for 190 metres, Penrith’s Edwards had a quieter performance than he would have liked ahead of State of Origin selection. The incumbent NSW fullback is under immense pressure to hold his jersey with Roosters captain James Tedesco standing out as the in-form fullback of the competition.
