Panthers trainer Corey Bocking has been described as “the dumbest trainer we’ve ever had” during a fiery discussion on NRL 360 over the incident where he impeded Titans star Jayden Campbell in the act of kicking a goal.
With the Titans leading 26-24 late in the game on Saturday, Bocking ran into Campbell’s line of vision as he was about to take a shot at goal, to Campbell’s disgust.
Campbell missed the conversion attempt, which would have given the Titans a 28-24 lead.
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The miss proved to be crucial, given that Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary levelled the game at 26-all in regular time with a two-point field goal, before Blaize Talagi scored a try in golden point to give Penrith a thrilling 30-26 win.
The Panthers were sensationally fined $50,000 and Bocking was suspended for five games over the incident.
Host Braith Anasta took aim at Bocking, believing his actions were one of two things.
“He’s either the dumbest trainer we’ve ever had or he’s done it on purpose,” Anasta said.
“Because you don’t see it and it’s unprofessional, it was out of line, it could have cost them the game.
“We don’t see it for a reason because when you’re a trainer, you know that is a no go. That is out of limits and you just don’t do it.
“So it’s either one of the stupidest things he’s ever done in his life, or he’s meant it. It’s one or the other.”
Co-host Gorden Tallis was livid as the panel were left divided on the situation.
When asked if the punishment was enough, Tallis said: “Probably not.”
“Go ask the Broncos, would they pay $50,000 for two extra points? Because I reckon Penrith will finish fourth.”
Panellist Phil Rothfield had a different view.
“You don’t know that he was going to kick that goal,” Rothfield said.
“When do the bottom teams get the rub of the green?” Tallis asked.
“That there is unacceptable.
“Just imagine if the Titans win that, and Penrith don’t finish in the top four.
“It’s a bigger mountain to climb.”
Reporter Brent Read felt it wasn’t worth speculating on the what the outcome might have been if Campbell had have landed the conversion.
“Who knows what happens in that game if they kick that goal? The whole game changes,” Read said.
“So you think that’s fair then?” Tallis asked Read.
“I don’t think it’s fair but I think the punishment’s fair,” Read replied.
“If anything, the punishment’s actually really severe. I think it’s quite severe.”
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Tallis insinuated that the Panthers made a calculation that it was worth paying the $50,000 fine if it meant they would win the game, and make the top four, because their trainer distracted Campbell.
“What money do you reckon Penrith get if they finish in the top four?” Tallis asked Read.
“It’s good money,” Read replied.
“There you go,” Tallis said.
“Ring them, and say, are those two points worth $50,000?”
“They probably are,” Read said in response.
