The Penrith Panthers have found themselves at the center of controversy following their dramatic NRL comeback against the Parramatta Eels, which has led to widespread scrutiny of their play-the-ball tactics. The Panthers, led by Nathan Cleary, pulled off a stunning victory by scoring three tries in the final seven minutes to secure a 36-34 win. However, the manner in which they achieved this has raised concerns, particularly regarding their play-the-ball technique.
Critics have pointed out that during the closing minutes of the game, several Panthers players, including Cleary, Brian To’o, and Lindsay Smith, appeared to make minimal effort to use their feet when rolling the ball back, a tactic commonly referred to as ‘tunnel ball.’ This has led to accusations that the Panthers were gaining an unfair advantage by speeding up the ruck and allowing their players to advance up the field more quickly. The Sydney Morning Herald was among the first to highlight this issue, drawing attention to the Panthers’ rapid ruck speed in those crucial final moments.
The speed of the ruck has been a topic of debate throughout the 2024 NRL season, with many observing that the league has been more lenient on enforcing penalties for improper play-the-ball techniques compared to the previous year. Reporter Paul Crawley suggested that the Panthers might have been ‘coached’ to exploit this leniency, particularly in situations where they need to build momentum quickly. According to Crawley, this tactic could be a deliberate strategy employed by the coaching staff, given that the NRL has not been as strict on ruck infringements this season.
On the NRL 360 show, Crawley expressed his belief that this tactic is being coached, referring to it as “basically tunnel ball.” He argued that the tactic offers a significant advantage, particularly when the Panthers’ chief playmaker, Cleary, receives the ball earlier, enabling him to exploit vulnerabilities in the opposing defense. Braith Anasta, a former player, concurred with this assessment, noting that even a few seconds saved during the ruck could make a substantial difference in the outcome of a play.
Crawley further claimed that the Panthers are not the only team benefiting from this trend, as the NRL’s decision to allow faster play-the-balls in 2024 has created a “free for all” environment where many players are not properly using their feet when playing the ball. He criticized the NRL for failing to enforce the rule more strictly, arguing that the issue should have been addressed earlier in the season. Dean Ritchie, another reporter, echoed this sentiment, stating that the NRL’s reluctance to crack down on the issue has allowed it to persist unchecked.
Former Broncos player Gorden Tallis weighed in on the debate, arguing that it should not be difficult for players to follow the basic rule of using their feet when playing the ball, a requirement that all teams are supposed to adhere to. Despite the controversy surrounding their tactics, the Panthers’ remarkable comeback against the Eels has kept them in the race for the minor premiership. Their upcoming match against the Melbourne Storm on Thursday night is expected to be a crucial encounter, with the Panthers trailing the Storm by just two points.
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