‘Don’t touch our balls’: NRL erupts over dodgy Panthers trainer video

The NRL is being urged to punish the Panthers after footage of a questionable act sparked a furious response from fans and commentators.

NRL trainers have been urged not to touch the ball under any circumstances after the Panthers came under fire for a dodgy act over the weekend.

Footy fans believed Penrith had some explaining to do after a viral video appeared to catch a veteran trainer red-handed during the Panthers’ golden point thriller against the Cowboys.

The 30-30 draw was full of controversy as both clubs butchered field goal attempts in extra time at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Saturday night.

FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE in 4K with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.

The most controversial moment of all was only revealed after the match with amateur sideline footage appearing to show Panthers trainer Shane Elford spraying the ball with liquid from a water bottle before the opening period of golden point.

The viral clip showed the Steeden was left dripping wet after Elford had twice sprayed the ball before handing it to fullback Dylan Edwards to kick-off.

News.com.au has contacted the Panthers, who are aware of the video but have chosen not to comment.

Fox League commentator Andrew Voss criticised Elford on Monday, while also questioning what effect the water would have on the ball once it is kicked and flies through the air.

“Trainers, don’t touch our balls,” Voss said on SEN’s Vossy & Brandy show.

“Under no circumstance should trainers be touching the balls. It’s a bit odd and it’s a really quick fix.”

Voss asked: “When the ball is caught by the player, is any of the water still on the ball after it’s flown through the air?”

Panthers legend and board member Greg Alexander replied: “I’m going to say not much (water).”

Voss added: “Maybe its more of an act of stupidity than cheating? The science of it might actually dismiss it as an act of futility that achieves absolutely nothing.

“I think he (Elford) should be fined.”

Alexander agreed: “It doesn’t look good.”

Shane Elford appeared to spray the Steeden with the water bottle. Photo: Fox League and X, @TeddyCJD.

Rugby league fans weren’t impressed at all with Penrith’s trainer, with many calling for the NRL to sanction the Panthers for tampering with the ball.

One fan wrote on X: “I have been on about this for years.

“The NRL has done nothing to curb the scourge of trainers all over the field, blatantly coaching and guiding, as well as being a totally benefit free risk to interfering with a match. Idiots.”

Cowboys coach Todd Payten has told Code Sports, his coaching staff noticed Elford doing the same thing throughout the match.

“He did it before every kick-off,” Payten said.

“We noticed it in the (coaching) box. I will let the NRL handle it. I don’t know what they’re going to do but it was noticeable to us, definitely.

“I don’t want to say anymore.”

At one point of the viral clip, Elford is seen spraying the ball while talking to hooker Mitch Kenny with other players standing nearby as he committed the act.

Elford hands the ball to Edwards.

Panthers trainer Shane Elford chats to Mitch Kenny. Pic: Fox League

Wetting the ball makes it heavier and more slippery for opposition teams to handle.

It is not the only time Elford and Panthers trainers have been accused of overstepping the mark.

There were calls before the 2022 NRL Grand Final for Panthers trainers Pete Green and Elford to be banned from the season finale after a series of incidents with opposition players.

Saturday night’s incident is now expected to be scrutinised by NRL officials.

The Panthers have their own reasons for being upset after the referees missed an off-side infringement that would have given Penrith an opportunity to kick a match winning penalty goal.

With scores locked at 30-30 with a minute and a half to play in regulation time, a Panthers kick appeared to hit Scott Drinkwater on the foot before falling to John Bateman in an off-side position.

The referee ruled play on, but a penalty goal would have given Nathan Cleary a kick from 30 metres out to ice the win.