NRL Fans Fume as Cowboys Trainer Caught in Ball-Wetting Controversy Similar to Panthers Incident
A fresh controversy has erupted in the NRL after a Cowboys trainer was caught in the act of the same offence that recently landed a Panthers staff member in hot water.
NRL supporters are demanding that club trainers be banned from handling the football during games, following two eyebrow-raising incidents in the dramatic round 10 Golden Point draw between the North Queensland Cowboys and Penrith Panthers. Tensions flared after footage surfaced of Penrith trainer Shane Elford appearing to spray water on the ball ahead of the Golden Point kick-off — sparking widespread criticism from fans and pundits.
Now, newly emerged video has revealed Cowboys trainer Mitch Dunn attempting a similar act before the second half of extra time. Referee Todd Smith intervened, requesting the ball from Cowboys half Jake Clifford after realizing it had been deliberately wet. “Hang on, no, no, no … give me the ball,” Smith was heard saying. “You’re not doing that. No way, get another football.” When questioned by a Cowboys player, Smith clarified: “He squirted it with water,” before kicking the ball towards the sideline to discard it.
It remains uncertain whether the NRL will impose sanctions on either club, but the incidents have reignited debate over the role of trainers in the modern game. Many fans have compared the water-spraying tactic to cricket-style ball tampering, accusing both clubs of attempting to manipulate the game by making the ball harder to handle for the opposition. Critics argue that while playing in wet weather is a natural condition, deliberately wetting the ball is a calculated tactic to gain an unfair edge.
Trainers are only permitted on-field in limited capacities — primarily to provide water or manage interchanges — but their influence has long sparked debate, as they often relay instructions from coaching staff mid-match.
Now, after the latest scandal, growing voices within the rugby league community are calling for a complete ban on trainers touching the ball during play. Many argue that such interference opens the door to unsporting behaviour and unnecessary drama.
NRL legend and Maroons coach Billy Slater weighed in on the controversy during The Billy Slater Podcast, acknowledging the questionable nature of the act but suggesting a mild response from the league. “It’s a pretty cheeky thing to do,” he said. “I don’t know whether it’s technically outside the rules — you’ve got to play to the rules. But the Panthers have been pioneers of small edges over the past five years, and this might just be another example.”
Slater believes a warning would suffice, noting that while some fans are outraged, he doesn’t view the incident as seriously. “They’re trying to find an edge, be just a bit better than the opposition. I can have a laugh — a warning from the NRL should be enough.”
Still, with fans drawing parallels to rule-bending scandals in other sports, the pressure is mounting for the NRL to step in and clarify the boundaries of trainer involvement — before a harmless water spray turns into a full-blown integrity crisis.
