Ivan Cleary Expresses Concern for Corey Bocking After Five-Match Suspension

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has spoken out about the emotional toll on trainer Corey Bocking following a five-match suspension imposed by the NRL, calling the punishment 'harsh and a little unfair.'

The incident, which occurred during a crucial match against the Gold Coast Titans, saw Bocking run in front of Jayden Campbell as he prepared to take a goal kick. The Panthers have maintained that the act was accidental, but the NRL’s ruling has sparked significant controversy in the rugby league community.

According to Cleary, Bocking has been struggling emotionally since the incident. 'He’s struggling and has been right from the time it happened,' the coach said. 'We try to temper that with banter, which he takes in good nature, but he’s struggling.'

The proposed suspension marks the longest ever given to a trainer for an on-field incident in the NRL this year. The fine of $50,000 imposed on Penrith is also the largest non-suspended fine in nearly four years, surpassing a similar penalty given to Ezra Mam for drug driving without a licence.

Bocking will be unable to enter Penrith’s sheds, bench, or field while serving the ban, and Cleary believes this will leave him 'ostracised' within the club. The coach also took responsibility for the incident, citing a change in substitution strategy as the reason Bocking was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Meanwhile, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo defended the ruling, stating that the decision was based on the application of the rules, not public pressure. 'It was important for us to take the action that we've taken,' Abdo said. 'It’s a simple rule and that rule has been broken, whether it was by accident or not it’s a breach.'

Cleary, however, disagreed with the severity of the punishment, arguing that it would be unprecedented in any justice system to penalize someone for an isolated incident based on past behavior. 'There is no justice system in the world that does that kind of thing,' he said.

Penrith players also voiced their support for Bocking, with Luke Garner claiming the trainer had been 'hard done by.'

Cleary emphasized that Bocking had already apologized for the incident and was clearly embarrassed by the situation. 'The man himself, the last thing he would want is any excess attention,' Cleary said.

As the controversy continues, the focus remains on the impact of the suspension on Bocking and the broader implications for the Panthers. The incident has reignited discussions about the fairness of NRL disciplinary actions and the balance between accountability and compassion in the sport.