The NRL has come down hard on Penrith and a trainer that caused a controversial stoppage during the epic semi-final win over Parramatta on Saturday.
The Eels were livid when the Panthers trainer stopped the game in the final minutes to attend to Mitch Kenny, who had injured his ankle in back play.
Under the rules, a trainer is not allowed to tell a referee to stop play until he has completed an on-field assessment of the injured player.
The trainer instructed referee Ashley Klein to stop play before he had even made it to Kenny, who was lying on the ground.
The NRL today announced the trainer in question has been suspended for the remainder of the season, and the club has been fined $25,000.
The same trainer had been involved in a similar incident earlier in the year.
“The breach notice alleges the club’s orange trainer stopped play incorrectly in the 76th minute of Saturday night’s NRL final against the Parramatta Eels,” an NRL statement said.
“The manual makes it clear that a head trainer can only stop play after making an initial assessment that circumstances require a doctor to enter the field of play.
“The NRL has also issued a warning to the club’s blue trainer for his role in the stoppage.
READ MORE: Phil Gould unleashes withering attack on ‘stupid’ NRL bosses
READ MORE: Former great tells Port Adelaide to ‘harden up’ if they don’t like his analysis
READ MORE: Houston Rockets ‘seriously interested’ in trading for Ben Simmons
“The club will be permitted to use an alternative staff member in the orange trainer role for the remainder of the season to ensure the welfare of Panthers players.”
The Panthers have five days to respond to the breach notice.
They are set to take on Melbourne in Saturday afternoon’s preliminary final.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!