Following a controversial incident involving a Panthers trainer running in front of a goal kick, it didn’t take long for NRL trainers to find themselves back in the spotlight – this time during Sunday night’s thrilling Eels vs Cowboys clash.
With the game tied at 18-all late in the second half, a Cowboys trainer unintentionally interfered with play on the first tackle of a new set – following a long-range bomb from Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses – prompting referee Liam Kennedy to halt the match.
Cowboys winger Braidon Burns threw a pass behind teammate Zac Laybutt, but the ball struck the Cowboys trainer’s leg before Laybutt could collect it.
Parramatta speedster Josh Addo-Carr was nearby, and Eels players immediately protested, arguing that the trainer’s interference prevented Addo-Carr from contesting the loose ball.
MORE: Panthers trainer faces NRL ruling over ‘disgraceful’ conversion interference
Referee Liam Kennedy stopped play to assess the situation but ultimately deemed it a mutual infringement, allowing the Cowboys to retain possession and continue their set.
The decision left Eels players visibly upset, with Mitchell Moses particularly critical of the officials once play resumed.
Former Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis humorously dubbed the incident “Trainergate 2.0” during the live commentary of Sunday night’s match.
Fox Sports presenter Andrew Voss questioned the timing during the broadcast, asking, “Seriously, is there any need for the trainer to be out there so early in a set? What are we doing? Peter V’landys, you have work to do.”
This marks the second time in just eight days that sideline trainers have sparked controversy in the NRL, following the Penrith Panthers being fined $50,000 and trainer Corey Bocking receiving a five-match suspension after he ran in front of Titans star Jayden Campbell as he prepared to take a conversion near the sideline.