Penrith Panthers have been fined and a club trainer has been suspended for deliberately breaking NRL rules during the semi-final win against Parramatta on Saturday night.
The NRL released a statement on Tuesday confirming that a Breach Notice would be issue with the punishments after trainer Pete Green asked for the time to be stopped to treat injured Panther Mitch Kenny.
NRL rules stipulate trainers can only ask for time to be stopped after assessing the injured player, with Green not even being on the field yet before asking the referee to halt the clock.
"The National Rugby League (NRL) has issued the Penrith Panthers with a Breach Notice proposing the Club be fined $25,000 and the Club’s Orange Trainer suspended from accessing the field of play and sideline for the remainder of the 2021 season after an alleged breach of the game’s Operations Manual," a statement from the governing body read.
"The Breach Notice alleges the Club’s Orange Trainer stopped play incorrectly in the 76th minute of Saturday night’s NRL Telstra Premiership Final against the Parramatta Eels. 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.
"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 5 business days to respond to the Breach Notice. A provisional suspension applies until the Club’s response has been received."