Former Super League player fined £2,500 for distracting goal-kicker

Cronulla Sharks have incurred a significant fine of $5,000 (£2,500) fine due to an incident involving Daniel Holdsworth that directly influenced the outcome of their recent game against Canberra.

Former Salford and Hull FC player Holdsworth was one of the on-field trainers for the Sharks when he distracted Jamal Fogarty during a crucial conversion attempt, which Fogarty missed.

Holdsworth ran too close to Fogarty as he attempted his sideline kick, running back after being under the posts giving instructions to the Cronulla players. With just under eight minutes to play, the Raiders were losing by eight points. It’s unknown whether the ploy was a tactic or an accident. Watch the incident here.

Regrettably for the Raiders, the conversion hit the post, resulting in a loss of two crucial points. These points could have been game-changers, especially heading into the last eight minutes of the match.

After the game, the Ground Manager reported it to the governing body, with the incident then discussed during the weekly end-of-round football meeting.

Daniel Holdsworth conversion incident

As the matter is still under review, the NRL has issued a breach of notice and a $5,000 fine to Cronulla. The Sharks have been informed of their right to appeal, ensuring a fair process.

It’s important to note that the incident raises questions about the rules regarding trainers’ presence on the pitch. In recent years, the NRL has implemented measures to prevent trainers from interfering with the game, such as limiting their time on the field. Whether Holdsworth’s actions were intentional or not, they may have breached these rules. 

This incident has happened in the past. In 2022, the NRL fined Eels trainer and assistant coach Steve Murphy for running across Penrith star Nathan Cleary, who also failed his conversion.

The Sharks were 18-0 down after 24 minutes of the first half. They fought back and levelled it just before half-time.

In the second half, the Cronulla carried their momentum from late in the first half to score three more tries, winning the game 36-22 against the Raiders, who were off the pace despite their after-match complaints.

The Sharks next home game is away to bottom-of-the-table South Sydney Rabbitohs, whereas for the Raiders, they host Gold Coast Titans, who sit one place above the Rabbitohs.