Greg Alexander has responded to vision of Shane Elford wetting the ball.
Penrith Panthers legend Greg Alexander has responded to footage of the NRL team’s trainer Shane Elford spraying water on the ball before a kick-off against the Cowboys, denying suggestions it’s a widespread practice around the league. The NRL is expected to hit the Panthers with a financial sanction after vision went viral of the moment Elford sprayed the ball with water before handing it to Dylan Edwards.
Many were left convinced that Elford had deliberately wet the ball to make it slippery for the Cowboys players when they caught it, although some suggested he might have simply been cleaning dirt off it. According to News Corp, the NRL is aware of the footage and is likely to fine the Panthers.
“Could this be seen as ball tampering?” veteran reporter Phil Rothfield asked on Sky Sports radio on Monday morning. “I guess a little water on the ball is going to make it a bit more difficult for whoever is taking the kick.
Greg Alexander dismisses ‘widespread’ theory
Speaking on SEN radio, Alexander responded to suggestions it’s a widespread practice amongst many teams. The Panthers legend doesn’t believe it is, saying he’s never seen it before.
“It was a sandpaper moment,” Alexander joked, referencing the Aussie cricket ball-tampering scandal. “I haven’t spotted it before. I can’t tell you [if Penrith are the only team that do it] because I haven’t witnessed it happening before.”
Co-host Andrew Voss said the NRL should have a blanket rule that trainers aren’t allowed to touch the ball. “Graham Annesley, the head of football, should release a statement his morning that trainers don’t touch the balls,” he said. “There is no reason for a trainer to touch a ball under any circumstances. It should be a really quick fix for the NRL.”
Cowboys coach believes it happened all game
Speaking after the game, which finished in a 30-30 draw, Cowboys coach Todd Payten said he believed Elford was doing 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 any more.”