The National Rugby League (NRL) is currently under fire. They handed down a five-match ban on Penrith Panthers trainer Corey Bocking for an on-field incident. This suspension is notable in that it is the longest penalty given so far this year for any on-field incident. Panthers’ coach Ivan Cleary and other players have taken to social media to express their anger over the decision. They claim that the impacts of these sanctions are unduly draconian and unjust.
It was a mills-miss tackle as Bocking inadvertently brained to his front Jayden Campbell. This was right as Campbell was preparing to take his goal kick. Though many have portrayed Bocking’s actions as purposeful, the Panthers argue that it was an accidental misstep. The punishment is harsh and has led to outcry over Bocking’s well-being. During his suspension, he will be banned from entering the public team sheds, players bench and playing field.
Cleary expressed his disappointment at the NRL’s decision, calling it “severe and somewhat disproportionate”. He pointed out that Bocking’s mental health must be of paramount concern during this unprecedented situation.
“He’s struggling and has been right from the time it happened,” – Ivan Cleary
The Black Knights head coach said Bocking didn’t deserve all the blame for the incident. He laid some blame at the feet of a late-game replacement he’d made.
“The only reason he ran that line was because I changed a sub. So if anyone is to blame, it’s me. And that’s the truth,” – Ivan Cleary
Paz has been among those teammates to give robust support for Bocking’s case. Cross-code international Luke Garner even went as far to say that Bocking had been “hard done by.” The Penrith Panthers have responded and officially rejected the NRL’s breach notice regarding Bocking. They claim that the incident obviously was an accident and ask what’s the purpose of such a draconian punishment.
Phil Gould, the chief executive of Canterbury, condemned the NRL for bowing to public pressure. He condemned their treatment of Bocking’s case. NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo vehemently denied this assertion. He maintained all along that the decision was made in a vacuum and according to well-defined procedures.
“I can say categorically this is not a reaction to the public or social media, this is an application of the rules,” – Andrew Abdo
Abdo’s assertion drew a sharp rebuke from Cleary. He contended that it is extraordinarily rare for a suspension to be influenced by previous conduct, as occurred in Bocking’s case.
“For one person to receive a suspension based on things that have happened before, that never happens. There is no justice system in the world that does that kind of thing,” – Ivan Cleary
Abdo welcomed Cleary’s remarks on the rule that was violated. He argued that Bocking’s motivation should have been taken into account when determining how severe the penalty should be.
“It’s a simple rule and that rule has been broken, whether it was by accident or not it’s a breach,” – Andrew Abdo
The Penrith Panthers’ management stands firm in their belief that Bocking’s actions were unintentional and calls for reconsideration of what they deem an excessive punishment. The whole team enthusiastically comes together around Bocking. This state of affairs exposes, once again, an inherent conflict between player welfare and adherence to league policy.
