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NRL issue massive breach notice to Panthers over trainer incident
Sam Kosack • August 4th, 2025 4:31 pm
The NRL have offered the Penrith Panthers a $50,000 fine and a five-match suspension for their trainer after an incident with Jayden Campbell in Saturday’s clash on the Gold Coast.
After Phillip Sami scored a crucial try in the 73rd minute to put the Titans ahead, Campbell prepared to take a conversion attempt that would extend the Gold Coast’s lead to four with five minutes to go.
However, as Campbell prepared to take the conversion, the Panthers’ trainer ran in front of Campbell on his way back to the bench from the team’s huddle.
Campbell ultimately missed the attempt, and the Panthers went on to equalise and win the match in Golden Point.
The NRL alleges the trainer “unnecessarily interfered with and distracted Gold Coast Titans player Jayden Campbell as he was attempting a conversion kick, in breach of the NRL Operations Manual and NRL Code of Conduct”.
The large penalty takes into account previous incidents by Panthers’ trainers in previous years, and the NRL will closely monitor the rules around trainers in light of the incident.
In response, the Panthers issued a club statement in light of the breach. Penrith Panthers has today received a breach notice from the NRL in relation to the actions of a club trainer during the Round 22 match.
“The club is adamant that the actions of the trainer were an honest mistake and there was no intent to breach the rules or gain an advantage. The trainer immediately apologised upon realising the error,” the official Panthers statement said.
“The circumstances involved a late change and in-the-moment confusion, but we understand that does not excuse the outcome.
“The club will not make any further comment on the matter at this time.”
