NSW State of Origin Trainer Warned for Unsportsmanlike Act Amid NRL Fines

During the State of Origin series opener, NSW trainer Eddie Farah was caught engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct by kicking the ball away during a Queensland scrum near the try-line, an act that was not initially visible on broadcast but later revealed through spider-cam footage. Referee Ashley Klein sternly warned Farah, telling him that if he repeated the behavior, he would be barred from returning to the field. The Maroons' captain Daly Cherry-Evans immediately noticed the incident and alerted the referee, while commentators and fans described the act as 'gamesmanship' and criticized it for poor sportsmanship. This incident occurred amid heightened scrutiny of trainers following similar controversies involving trainers from the Panthers and Cowboys, who were penalized for wetting the ball to disadvantage opponents. Farah, who is the brother of former NRL star Robbie Farah and recently took on the role of head physiotherapist for the Blues, was seen being reprimanded by officials after the game. The momentary delay appeared to benefit NSW by disrupting Queensland's momentum, though the Maroons coach maintained that the series was not yet decided.