19 Dec 2019

NRL comes down hard on agents

7:00 am on 19 December 2019

The National Rugby League has cancelled the accreditation of one high-profile player agent, sanctioned another and initiated disciplinary proceedings against two more.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg.

NRL boss Todd Greenberg Photo: Photosport

Gavin Orr, who runs Pacific Sports Management with his brother Chris and whose clients include dozens of high-profile NRL players, has been to determined to have his accreditation cancelled for conduct involving "knowingly aiding a breach of the NRL's salary cap rules," the NRL stated.

Orr is seeking to appeal the finding.

His clients include Daly Cherry-Evans, Payne Haas, Jason Taumalolo and Ryan Matterson.

Another agent, Isaac Moses, has been issued a notice which requires Moses to show cause why his accreditation should not be suspended or cancelled for "counselling or assisting a person to not co-operate fully with the NRL Integrity and Compliance Unit," according to the NRL.

Moses disputes the allegations... his clients include Warriors coach Stephen Kearney.

Antoun Zibara has been fined and placed on probation for "knowingly submitting several NRL player contracts which had not been witnessed in accordance with the NRL Rules", according to the NRL statement.

The NRL has issued a notice to Mario Tartak alleging a breach of his obligations in failing to notify the Agent Accreditation Scheme of bankruptcy proceedings.

This year was the first season the NRL has had the power to sanction player agents.

-NRL