North Sydney Bears coach Pat Weisner deregistered over betting scandal

As the Bears celebrate their return to the NRL in 2027, North Sydney’s NSW Cup team has been rocked with coach Pat Weisner deregistered following an alleged betting drama.

North Sydney Bears NSW Cup Coach Pat Weisner. Picture: Facebook

North Sydney coach Pat Weisner has been deregistered from the NSW Cup after a recent betting drama.

The NSWRL convened a hearing into allegations that Weisner had placed a bet on rugby league matches this season.

He was issued a breach notice for allegedly trying to place one bet covering several matches in breach of strict NRL and NSWRL code of conduct rules.

Weisner didn’t lodge a plea and has been banned from all coaching until January 1, 2026.

He would need to reapply for registration when his suspension concludes.

The Bears are running equal first with Canberra on the NSW Cup competition table.

“The NSWRL confirms that North Sydney Bears coach Pat Weisner from the NSW Cup has been deregistered after electing not to contest a recent code of conduct charge,” said a NSWRL spokesman.

“Weisner will not be entitled to apply for re-registration until 1 January 2026. The NSWRL will make no further comment.”

The suspension will span 16 months.

Weisner, who was under contract as Bears coach for 2024 and 2025, was facing allegations he placed a multi bet on games which included legs on NRLW and NSW Cup matches.

Former North Sydney Bears NSW Cup Coach Pat Weisner. Picture: Facebook

It was alleged Weisner attempted to bet on the Souths versus Canberra and Roosters versus Blacktown NSW Cup games.

“He decided, in order not to add any more pressure to the North Sydney Bears campaign, that he would not contest the alleged breach, in the interests of North Sydney Bears and his family,” said Weisner’s lawyer Paul McGirr.

“He didn’t plead guilty, he didn’t plead not guilty. He just elected not to contest the matter. It’s not a sign of guilt, it’s basically choosing not to defend a matter.

“To give you an example, sometimes people in court matters plead guilty just for convenience. But he certainly didn’t enter a plea of guilty.

“On the (NSWRL) form there is a plea of guilty and a plea of not guilty and he didn’t tick either of those boxes. He accepts the finding of the NSWRL.

“The initial complaint did not involve a North Sydney Bears game and we will not be commenting any further as we consider the matter dealt with.”

Former Bears head coach Kieran Dempsey – who has been working at the club all season – has stepped into the first grade role.

“Kieran has been around the club for a very long time and we’re excited that he’s stepping into a role that he’s been close to all season,” said Bears chairman Daniel Dickson.

“He has been part of the team so it’s a natural progression for us.”

It comes as the Bears celebrate the club’s looming re-entry into the NRL as the Western Bears.

The NSWRL code of conduct precludes registered participants in the game from gambling on rugby league games.