'You're not doing that': Billy Slater weighs in as another 'cheeky' incident exposed in Cowboys-Panthers thriller

Another incident involving an NRL trainer wetting the ball has come to light after North Queensland's thrilling golden-point draw against the Panthers.

In the wake of the 30-30 clash, footage did the rounds on Sunday that showed Penrith trainer Shane Elford spraying water onto the ball in a moment that left Cowboys fans fuming.

However, in a fresh twist, it looks as though the hosts tried to do the exact same thing moments later in the second period of extra time at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

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With the scores still locked, Cowboys trainer and former player Mitch Dunn was stopped by on-field referee Todd Smith, who was audibly frustrated by the cheeky ploy.

"Hang on, no, no, no ... give me the ball," the official is heard saying.

"You're not doing that. No way, get another football."

Smith then kicked the ball towards the sideline before a brief delay, with one Cowboys player asking why their kick off was momentarily stopped.

"He squirted it with water," Smith replied.

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At this stage, it's unclear whether the NRL will take any action against Elford or Dunn.

League great Billy Slater said he had no major issue with the tactic, but believes the decision-makers will give them a "warning" not to make it an ongoing habit.

"It's pretty cheeky thing to do," he said on Nine's The Billy Slater Podcast.

"I don't know whether it's outside the rules and you've only got to play to the rules.

"If you've watched the Panthers closely, there's so many things that the Panthers started doing over the last five years that every club are doing now. They are leaders in trying to find an edge. Is this too far? That's a question mark.

"They are trying to find an edge and be that little bit better than the opposition. I can have a laugh and I think the NRL will probably give a warning. 

"I don't look at it as harshly as some other people. A warning will be sufficient."