Leading NRL player agent facing $1m a year losses through life ban

The NRL’s biggest stars could be sent into Christmas chaos with a leading player agent facing permanent deregistration

Isaac Moses had his case thrown out by the NRL Appeals Committee

The management of some of the NRL’s biggest stars could be plunged into chaos this Christmas with a leading player agent facing a $1m-a-year loss through a life ban from rugby league.

Isaac Moses, from Cove Agency, had an appeal thrown out by an NRL Appeals Committee yesterday after being deregistered by the NRL for allegedly prompting former Parramatta player Tim Mannah to lie to the NRL Integrity Unit in 2017.

He had fought to overturn an NRL decision to cancel his accreditation.

Despite losing his misconduct charge appeal, Moses will now return to front the same committee – chaired by Ian Callinan QC, along with former internationals Max Krilich and Michael Cleary – in a desperate final bid to have his deregistration punishment reduced or quashed.

The Australian has been told Moses’ chances of having his suspension slashed appear unlikely, given the same committee upheld the NRL’s initial deregistration ruling yesterday.

A final decision to deregister Moses is likely to be reached by Christmas, meaning all his clients would be free to join rival player agents. It would cause a flurry of player agent movement right on Christmas.

Moses’ manages some of rugby league’s highest-profile players including Cam Smith, Matt Lodge, Mitch Moses, Tevita Pangai Jr, Kotoni Staggs, John Bateman, Josh Hodgson, Jesse Bromwich, Aaron Woods, Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, Dave Klemmer, Kodi Nikorima, Kyle Feldt, Josh McGuire, Jordan McLean, Michael Jennings and Luke Brooks.

The playing talent is worth an estimated $15m a season.

Moses also manages coaches Kristian Woolf, who just guided St Helens to the Super League grand final, along with Anthony Seibold, Adam O’Brien, Todd Payten and Stephen Kearney.

Given Moses oversees such a vast player pool, the NRL has permitted him to continue operating as a player agent until a final decision by the appeals committee can be reached.

Well-placed rival agents believe Moses – given his substantial stable – would lose around $1m a year in management fees and revenue. Several managers claim his punishment is “heavy handed.”

The NRL released a statement yesterday which read: “The NRL Appeals Committee has issued its decision in respect of an appeal brought by Mr Isaac Moses. Mr Moses’ accreditation under the NRL Player Agents Accreditation Scheme was cancelled by the NRL in June 2020.

“The independent committee upheld the NRL’s findings that Mr Moses breached his obligations as an accredited agent in 2017 by counselling, procuring and assisting one of his clients to give evidence to the NRL that was false and intended to mislead an investigation by the NRL Integrity and Compliance Unit.

“The Appeals Committee will now hear submissions from the parties on whether the cancellation of Mr Moses’ accreditation should be confirmed, or some other sanction be imposed. The cancellation of Mr Moses registration will not take effect until notified by the NRL.”

If deregistered, Moses could hand over his clients to brother Stephen Moses, and agent Adam Brame, who also work for Cove Agency. Players though would be permitted to immediately quit the company if Moses is permanently deregistered.

Staggs, Pangai Jr, Bromwich, Kaufusi, Nikorima, McGuire and McLean come off contract over the next two years.

Moses has the right to appeal the severity of his punishment but the NRL’s hardline stance will remain – they want him deregistered. The NRL privately believes some players will leave Moses’ camp if he’s deregistered.

The Daily Telegraph