The NRL has issued North Queensland and Penrith with breach notices following their golden-point draw in Round 10.
The Panthers’ trainer, Shane Elford, was pictured spraying water over the ball multiple times before kick-offs, drawing widespread condemnation.
However, vision soon emerged of Cowboys trainer Mitch Dunn also engaging in the same act during the match.
Referee Todd Smith caught the former North Queensland player though and told him off before requesting a new ball be brought onto the field of play.
"Hang on, no, no, no," the official was heard saying. "You're not doing that. No way, get another football."
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Cowboys and Panthers handed breach notices after Round 10 match
The clubs have now both been handed $10,000 fines for the incidents.
"During the match, trainers from both clubs were observed squirting liquid onto the football prior to kick restarts of play, in contravention of the NRL Rules," the NRL noted in a statement.
"The NRL has also reminded all clubs about the limitations of the roles of trainers on match days.
"Any action, other than those permitted under the NRL Rules, may be considered a breach liable to sanctions."
The trainers have each been handed two-match bans, with one match suspended, along with the financial penalties imposed on the clubs.
North Queensland and Penrith have five business days to respond to the breach notices.
Meanwhile, it's the second time this week that the Cowboys have been in trouble with the NRL after Todd Payten was given a final warning.
The head coach was singled out "for repeated and consistent criticism of officials" ahead of Round 11.
"The final warning relates to comments made by Mr Payten following Round 10 and goes as far back as 2020," the NRL stated.
"Mr Payten has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL Rules and Code of Conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader to set an appropriate example to grassroots and junior participants across the broader rugby league community."