**Trainers Banned for Ball-Wetting Incident**
In a controversial incident during the NRL Round 10 clash between the Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys on May 10, 2025, trainers from both teams were caught wetting the game ball before golden point kick-offs, leading to suspensions and fines. Panthers trainer Shane Elford and Cowboys trainer Mitch Dunn were each banned for one match and their clubs fined $10,000 by the NRL for breaching league rules, which prohibit tampering with the ball to gain an unfair advantage. The incident, described as “cheeky” by commentators and Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater, sparked debate over ethics and gamesmanship in the sport.
**Details of the Incident**
Footage aired by Nine and shared on X captured Elford deliberately spraying water on the ball before a Panthers’ golden point kick-off, appearing to conceal the act while handing the slippery ball to the kicker. Cowboys coach Todd Payten confirmed Elford did this “before every kickoff,” prompting an NRL investigation. However, the Cowboys were implicated when posts on X, including one from @user26194735, revealed Dunn also wet the ball after the Panthers’ first try and during their golden point kick-off. The wet ball, noted by SEN League’s Andrew Voss as having “very little” practical impact, was intended to make it harder for the receiving team to catch and control, potentially benefiting the kicking side in the high-stakes extra time.
**Reactions and Consequences**
The incident drew mixed reactions. Slater called it a “pretty cheeky thing to do” on Nine’s coverage, while fans on X expressed outrage, with @fairdin04443704 questioning the Panthers’ tactics and others, like @GHousbey, highlighting the Cowboys’ involvement. NRL360’s Paul Kent labeled it a “desperate” act, exposing both teams’ attempts to bend rules. The NRL’s swift response—issuing breach notices on May 16, 2025—aimed to deter future violations, with fines and suspensions announced via @NRLNEWS and @PeterVLang. Despite the controversy, the Panthers won 24-20 in golden point, with Nathan Cleary’s field goal sealing the victory. The bans will see Elford and Dunn miss their teams’ Round 11 matches, prompting calls from fans, like @NIG3L on Facebook, to limit water boys’ on-field presence.
