Two more NRL player agents under investigation as three receive warnings

The NRL’s crackdown on the influential dealmakers who represent hundreds of players across the game has claimed five fresh scalps.

The NRL’s crackdown on player agents has claimed more victims with a further five managers in the crosshairs of the governing body.

In the wake of leading player agent Mario Tartak and Matt Desira being issued breach notices over allegations of improper conduct, this masthead can reveal that two additional agents are under investigation, with a further three receiving warnings from the NRL.

The major development indicates that the NRL is willing to get tough on the influential dealmakers of the NRL, who represent hundreds of players across the game.

Tartak has been issued with a proposed 12-month suspension and $25,000 fine for communicating with an underage player without a legal guardian present.

Mario Tartak (L) pictured with his client Josh Addo-Carr. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Tartak is one of the NRL’s most powerful agents and looks after several high-profile players including Dragons hooker Damien Cook and Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr.

He’s also alleged to have entered into a commercial arrangement with two clubs in breach of the game’s rules.

Desira, who counts Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall among his clientele, is facing a six-month ban and hefty fine amid allegations of “non-reporting and dishonesty” following police charges and court proceedings which were brought against him.

His lawyer Paul McGirr said he would contest the sanctions that were handed down by the NRL.

Matt Desira is facing a six-month ban and hefty fine amid allegations of “non-reporting and dishonesty.” Picture: Rohan Kelly

“He’s admitted to his mistakes and we will put a detailed submission to the NRL and explain his positioning,” McGirr said.

“He got some very, very poor advice in respect to how to handle the matter. Unfortunately he showed bad judgement by acting on that advice.

“I have become involved in the matter and it has taken a different course where he accepts that he was wrong in doing what he did, but also in giving wrong information to the NRL.

“The worst part of it for my client is he knows Paul Massey so well and respects him so much, yet acted on advice and told an untruth to Mr Massey.

“He has certainly seen the errors of his ways and is extremely remorseful.

“I am in the process of working on some detailed submissions on the lessons he has learned and the lessons he continues to learned.”

The NRL is in the process of reviewing the rules around player agents and hopes to have a new scheme in place by November 1 this year.

Originally published as Two more NRL player agents under investigation as three receive warnings