The National Rugby League (NRL) has made a final determination and suspended and fined Player Agents Mario Tartak, Matt Desira, Nash Dawson and Chris Orr for breaches of the Accredited Agent Scheme Rules.
Under the Accredited Agents’ Code of Conduct, Accredited Agents are required to operate with high personal and professional standards.
The following penalties have been applied to agents:
MARIO TARTAK
Mario Tartak has been suspended for 12 months and fined $25,000.
It was alleged that Mr Tartak communicated with an underage player without a parent and/or legal guardian being present. It was also alleged that Mr Tartak entered into a commercial arrangement with two NRL Clubs, in breach of the NRL Accredited Agent Scheme Rules.
The proposed penalty took into consideration previous breach proceedings which imposed conditions that further breaches could result in suspension of accreditation.
MATTHEW DESIRA
Matthew Desira has been suspended for 6 months and fined $10,000.
The determination relates to non-reporting and dishonesty following police charges and court proceedings which were brought against Mr Desira.
NASH DAWSON
Nash Dawson has been suspended for 9 months and fined $15,000.
It was alleged Mr Dawson breached the NRL Accredited Agent Scheme Rules and the Accredited Agents’ Code of Conduct following a physical altercation with agent Chris Orr following the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships in 2024.
It was also alleged Mr Dawson failed to co-operate with the NRL Integrity Unit.
CHRIS ORR
Chris Orr has been suspended for 6 months and fined $10,000.
It was alleged Mr Orr breached the NRL Accredited Agent Scheme Rules and the Accredited Agents’ Code of Conduct following a physical altercation with agent Nash Dawson following the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships in 2024.
It was also alleged Mr Orr failed to co-operate with the NRL Integrity Unit.