Titans star Jayden Campbell has revealed Panthers trainer Corey Bocking reached out to him with an apology after a controversial moment in the Gold Coast’s Round 22 loss.
Penrith’s yellow shirt was handed a $50,000 fine and a five-game ban after running in front of Campbell during a crucial conversion attempt which would have given the Titans a four-point lead.
Instead, he missed his conversion attempt and Nathan Cleary slotted a two-point field goal before the Panthers went on to win the clash in golden point.
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Speaking to News Corp, Campbell explained he was of the belief Bocking’s actions were a simple mistake.
“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.”
The rugby league world erupted following the controversial moment, with many calling for Campbell to have been given two attempts at the conversion.
The halfback himself believed that the NRL may need to introduce rules to counteract further incident like the one that cruelled the Titans.
“I don’t really want to make excuses to make things easier,” he said.
“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.
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“Accidents happen, especially in the heat of the moment, so I’m not too sure.”
Speaking after Penrith’s win, coach Ivan Cleary also offered an apology to Des Hasler and the Titans.
“I didn’t see it, but (we were) just chatting about it in there. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Cleary said.
“We had a sub that we were going to do and I changed it at the last minute, that’s what he was doing, he was trying to communicate with the bench.
“Because it was a late change, there’s a lot of stuff going on to make sure we didn’t make that change we were going to. That was why there was a bit of confusion.
“In the end it was just an honest mistake, he apologised straight away. Anyone around him would have seen that, the Titans would know that.
“I am happy to say we apologise for it, because it’s not something that anyone set out to do. It was just an honest mistake.”
