Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has delivered a heartfelt update on the wellbeing of long-time club trainer Corey Bocking following the NRL’s decision to suspend Bocking for five matches due to an on-field incident. The ruling, handed down earlier this week, has sent shockwaves through the club, with Cleary revealing the emotional toll the suspension has taken on one of the Panthers’ most respected and consistent off-field figures. As the Panthers gear up for a critical stretch of games, the absence of Bocking, both in terms of presence and leadership, has left a noticeable void—and Cleary’s comments have only underlined the personal cost of the controversy.
The NRL’s five-match ban stems from Bocking’s actions during the Panthers’ recent clash, in which he was found to have interfered with play in a manner that was deemed by the league to breach the rules governing on-field support staff. The league cited his proximity to the play and his failure to remove himself from a critical area of the field, which may have influenced the defensive positioning of the opposing side. The incident led to a thorough review by the match review committee and ultimately culminated in a formal suspension. While the NRL remains firm in its efforts to maintain fairness and consistency across all levels of involvement on the field, the punishment has drawn both scrutiny and sympathy, particularly from within the Panthers’ organization.
Cleary, who has long been known for his calm and measured demeanor, did not hold back when asked about Bocking’s situation. Speaking to the media, he expressed not just disappointment in the NRL’s decision but also deep concern for the personal impact it has had on Bocking. “He’s doing it tough, mate,” Cleary said. “Corey’s a great man, and this has hit him hard. He’s been part of this club for a long time and always puts the players first. To be sidelined like this, for doing what he believed was his job—it’s been a big blow.”
The Panthers have long operated with a culture of loyalty, unity, and internal strength, with staff members like Bocking playing an instrumental role behind the scenes in shaping the team’s success. Over the years, Bocking has built a reputation as a trusted figure in the club’s high-performance unit, acting as a key communicator between players and coaches during matches. His in-game responsibilities, especially related to injury assessment, player feedback, and positional communication, are considered vital to the smooth operation of the team during high-pressure moments. With his absence, the team will need to quickly adapt not just tactically but emotionally, as Bocking’s absence from the sideline is deeply felt.
Cleary emphasized that Bocking’s intent during the incident was never malicious or disruptive. “There was no intent to break the rules,” he explained. “In those moments, everything is happening so fast. He’s trying to keep players safe, keep them moving, give them guidance—it’s what he’s been doing for years. The idea that he was trying to gain an advantage or interfere with the play just doesn’t sit right with those of us who know him.”
The coach’s comments have sparked broader discussions within the rugby league community about the role of trainers and the sometimes-blurred line between support and interference. While the NRL has made it clear that maintaining the integrity of the game is paramount, many within the league’s inner circles have voiced concerns about the clarity of rules governing sideline staff. Cleary hinted at this lack of clarity in his remarks, noting, “We all want to play within the rules, but there’s a need for clearer guidelines, especially when it comes to trainers. These guys are trying to help—not disrupt. There needs to be room for understanding and discretion.”
Despite the emotional nature of the situation, Cleary confirmed that the Panthers will not challenge the decision or appeal the suspension, choosing instead to accept the ruling and focus on supporting Bocking during his time away. “He’s part of the family here, and we’ll make sure he knows that. We’re going to support him every step of the way,” Cleary said. The players, too, have reportedly rallied around Bocking, with several stars reaching out privately to offer encouragement and express how much they value his presence within the team.
Cleary’s open acknowledgment of Bocking’s mental and emotional state is part of a growing shift in professional sports toward acknowledging the psychological well-being of not only players but also coaches and staff. In an era where mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of performance and sustainability, Cleary’s candidness serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked pressures that staff members endure in elite sports environments.
“We talk a lot about mental resilience with our players,” Cleary said. “But our staff, too—they live and breathe this game. Corey cares so much about this team, and to have that taken away, even temporarily, it stings. He feels like he let people down, even though none of us think he did. He needs to know he’s still valued and respected.”
The Panthers now face the challenge of filling Bocking’s role for the next five matches, a span that could prove pivotal in their push for a top-four finish and another deep finals run. Cleary admitted the disruption comes at a less-than-ideal time, but was confident in the professionalism and adaptability of his team. “It’s not easy, but that’s footy,” he said. “We adjust, we stick together, and we keep going. We know Corey’s with us in spirit, and we’ll make sure he’s right back with us when his time’s up.”
NRL officials, while standing by their ruling, have also been careful not to vilify Bocking personally. In statements released following the announcement of the suspension, league representatives emphasized the importance of upholding standards while recognizing that most on-field incidents involving trainers stem from misjudgment rather than intent. Still, the case has ignited conversations about whether a five-match suspension is proportionate for a first offense of this nature, especially given Bocking’s long-standing reputation and clean disciplinary history.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Panthers have taken to social media to express solidarity with Bocking. Messages of encouragement, tributes to his years of service, and calls for more nuanced handling of future incidents have flooded club forums and fan pages. Many have echoed Cleary’s sentiments, calling Bocking a “Panthers legend” and voicing support for the emotional strain he is experiencing. The outpouring of public backing may not change the outcome of the suspension, but it is surely offering some comfort to a man described by his coach as “one of the heartbeats of this club.”
As the Panthers regroup and prepare for the upcoming fixtures without one of their key off-field leaders, Cleary made it clear that Bocking’s value to the team transcends the boundaries of the playing field. “This isn’t just about a trainer being suspended,” he said. “It’s about a bloke who gives his all to this club, every day, and who deserves our support when he’s down. Corey’s tough, and he’ll get through it—but he’s human. And we’ve got his back.”
In professional sport, where every inch of competitive advantage is measured and every decision scrutinized, the fine line between helping and hindering can be razor-thin. Corey Bocking now finds himself on the wrong side of that line, but Ivan Cleary’s unwavering support and the response from the Panthers community suggest that the man behind the controversy will not face it alone. The weeks ahead may be challenging for Bocking, but they may also serve as a powerful reminder of the loyalty, empathy, and solidarity that define the Panthers’ culture—and of how one person’s struggle can shine a light on issues that too often remain in the shadows of the spotlight.
