Panthers trainer apologises to Jayden Campbell over $50k goalkick controversy

Panthers fitness boss Corey Bocking reached out to Campbell in the aftermath of last Saturday’s golden-point thriller on the Gold Coast.

Bocking received a five-match ban from the NRL after running in front of Campbell as he lined up a crucial sideline conversion in the dying stages of regular time.

Campbell missed the goal after being forced to abort his pre-kick routine and start again, leaving the Titans with a slender two-point lead.

The Panthers went on to win the match after halfback Nathan Cleary kicked a booming two-point field goal to send the game into extra-time before Blaize Talagi scored the matchwinning try.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said it was an “honest mistake” but Bocking was savaged by the crowd at Cbus Super Stadium and the incident created a firestorm, with the NRL handing Bocking a five-game suspension and fining Penrith $50,000.

High-profile commentator Phil Gould slammed the punishment, saying it was a complete over-reaction.

Campbell said he received an apology from Bocking on Sunday and believed it wasn’t intentional.

“At the time I was visibly upset, I wasn’t too sure what was happening,” he said.

“I was a bit upset but I’ve still got to make the kick.

“Everyone’s sort of blown up. I feel like it’s a bit of a bigger deal than it should be.

“Corey reached out to me and apologised, which I was really appreciative for.

“I threw the kicking tee because I was upset, but it wasn’t because he ran in front of me, it was because I knew how big the kick was and I missed it.

“I’ve learnt from it. It’s a high-pressure kick. I did have time to go back and go through my routine again.

“If that happens again, I know what to do next time.”

There have been calls for the NRL to introduce a rule that would have allowed the referee to grant Campbell another attempt or a kick in front of the posts.

Campbell said he didn’t want to make excuses for missing the conversion, but perhaps there should be a change of rules to prevent future incidents and potential gamesmanship.

“I don’t really want to make excuses to make things easier,” he said.

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“I know it was a mistake from Corey and he was really sorry and he felt really bad about it.

“But in saying that too I feel like if something like that was to happen again then maybe something could be changed.

“Accidents happen, especially in the heat of the moment, so I’m not too sure.”