BIG FINE FOR TRAINER CALL

PENRITH have been slugged with a $25,000 fine and trainer Pete Green provisionally suspended for the remainder of the season over their breach of operational rules last weekend.

It is alleged Green incorrectly stopped play in the 76th minute of Saturday’s final against the Eels when Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny was injured in back play.

The game’s operations manual makes it clear a head trainer can only stop play after making an initial assessment that subsequently requires a doctor to enter the field of play. Green had not conducted an initial assessment of Kenny when he asked for play to be stopped.

The NRL also issued a warning to the club’s blue shirt trainer Hayden Knowles for his role in the stoppage.

The Panthers have five business days to respond to the breach notice.