Latest news with #NRLRules
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
NRL hands bans, $35k in fines to player agents
Two NRL player agents have received bans totalling 18 months and a collective $35,000 in fines for separate breaches of their accreditation, with one accused of failing to disclose police charges to the league. Mario Tartak, who represents such players as Josh Addo-Carr, Damien Cook and Haumole Olakau'atu, is alleged to have communicated with an underage player without a parent or guardian present. The NRL also claims he "entered into a commercial arrangement with two NRL clubs", which is a breach of the league's accredited agent scheme rules. Tartak has been offered a 12-month suspension and $25,000 fine, with the NRL factoring in previous breach proceedings when considering his punishment. The agent received a breach notice from the NRL in 2019 for failing to disclose bankruptcy proceedings. A second agent Matthew Desira has been offered a six-month ban and $10,000 fine. The NRL claims the agent of Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall did not disclose "police charges and court proceedings" brought against him. The pair's suspensions have the potential to cause headaches for players off contract this year, as well as those who will become free agents on November 1 ahead of their deals ending next season. Tartak's clients Addo-Carr, Cook, Nathan Brown and Luciano Leilua are among those off contract in 2026, while Danny Levi and Josh Schuster headline his list of players with deals expiring this year. Players can still be managed by other agents that operate out of the same company as Tartak and Desira. Elsewhere, the NRL has issued Des Hasler with his final warning for criticising the match officials after the Gold Coast coach singled out a bunker referee in round 13. Hasler has become the second coach this season to receive an official final warning from the league after North Queensland boss Todd Payten last month. "Mr Hasler has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL Rules and Code of Conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader," read a statement from the NRL. "Negative public remarks about match officials significantly hinder the recruitment and retention of match officials at the community and pathways tiers of the game. "All rugby league participants are reminded to respect match officials who perform a vital role within the game." Asked about his comments ahead of Saturday's clash with Brisbane, Hasler said: "I was just pointing out a few things." Hasler was frustrated with a pivotal decision in the second half of his side's 28-16 loss to Melbourne last week and promised then to seek clarification from the NRL. Titans hooker Sam Verrills was denied a try on the grounds he had made contact with teammate Tino Fa'asuamaleaui as he attempted to burrow past Melbourne defenders lying in the ruck. Bunker official Kasey Badger ruled Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen had been denied the chance to tackle Verrills because of this contact, with the Storm scoring their match-sealing try minutes later. "Kasey got it wrong, again," Hasler said then of the call. "There's an email from the NRL about players lying in the ruck; that's fine, let them lie in the ruck, but you shouldn't lose the advantage. "They were lying all over the ground and six again, penalty, I don't know whether it was called, and young Vez (Verrills) picks up the ball and dives through, doesn't touch anyone, (Storm fullback Ryan) Papenhuyzen wasn't obstructed. "That was the word-for-word what the NRL sent out so I'll be interested to see what their explanation was." Two NRL player agents have received bans totalling 18 months and a collective $35,000 in fines for separate breaches of their accreditation, with one accused of failing to disclose police charges to the league. Mario Tartak, who represents such players as Josh Addo-Carr, Damien Cook and Haumole Olakau'atu, is alleged to have communicated with an underage player without a parent or guardian present. The NRL also claims he "entered into a commercial arrangement with two NRL clubs", which is a breach of the league's accredited agent scheme rules. Tartak has been offered a 12-month suspension and $25,000 fine, with the NRL factoring in previous breach proceedings when considering his punishment. The agent received a breach notice from the NRL in 2019 for failing to disclose bankruptcy proceedings. A second agent Matthew Desira has been offered a six-month ban and $10,000 fine. The NRL claims the agent of Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall did not disclose "police charges and court proceedings" brought against him. The pair's suspensions have the potential to cause headaches for players off contract this year, as well as those who will become free agents on November 1 ahead of their deals ending next season. Tartak's clients Addo-Carr, Cook, Nathan Brown and Luciano Leilua are among those off contract in 2026, while Danny Levi and Josh Schuster headline his list of players with deals expiring this year. Players can still be managed by other agents that operate out of the same company as Tartak and Desira. Elsewhere, the NRL has issued Des Hasler with his final warning for criticising the match officials after the Gold Coast coach singled out a bunker referee in round 13. Hasler has become the second coach this season to receive an official final warning from the league after North Queensland boss Todd Payten last month. "Mr Hasler has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL Rules and Code of Conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader," read a statement from the NRL. "Negative public remarks about match officials significantly hinder the recruitment and retention of match officials at the community and pathways tiers of the game. "All rugby league participants are reminded to respect match officials who perform a vital role within the game." Asked about his comments ahead of Saturday's clash with Brisbane, Hasler said: "I was just pointing out a few things." Hasler was frustrated with a pivotal decision in the second half of his side's 28-16 loss to Melbourne last week and promised then to seek clarification from the NRL. Titans hooker Sam Verrills was denied a try on the grounds he had made contact with teammate Tino Fa'asuamaleaui as he attempted to burrow past Melbourne defenders lying in the ruck. Bunker official Kasey Badger ruled Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen had been denied the chance to tackle Verrills because of this contact, with the Storm scoring their match-sealing try minutes later. "Kasey got it wrong, again," Hasler said then of the call. "There's an email from the NRL about players lying in the ruck; that's fine, let them lie in the ruck, but you shouldn't lose the advantage. "They were lying all over the ground and six again, penalty, I don't know whether it was called, and young Vez (Verrills) picks up the ball and dives through, doesn't touch anyone, (Storm fullback Ryan) Papenhuyzen wasn't obstructed. "That was the word-for-word what the NRL sent out so I'll be interested to see what their explanation was." Two NRL player agents have received bans totalling 18 months and a collective $35,000 in fines for separate breaches of their accreditation, with one accused of failing to disclose police charges to the league. Mario Tartak, who represents such players as Josh Addo-Carr, Damien Cook and Haumole Olakau'atu, is alleged to have communicated with an underage player without a parent or guardian present. The NRL also claims he "entered into a commercial arrangement with two NRL clubs", which is a breach of the league's accredited agent scheme rules. Tartak has been offered a 12-month suspension and $25,000 fine, with the NRL factoring in previous breach proceedings when considering his punishment. The agent received a breach notice from the NRL in 2019 for failing to disclose bankruptcy proceedings. A second agent Matthew Desira has been offered a six-month ban and $10,000 fine. The NRL claims the agent of Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall did not disclose "police charges and court proceedings" brought against him. The pair's suspensions have the potential to cause headaches for players off contract this year, as well as those who will become free agents on November 1 ahead of their deals ending next season. Tartak's clients Addo-Carr, Cook, Nathan Brown and Luciano Leilua are among those off contract in 2026, while Danny Levi and Josh Schuster headline his list of players with deals expiring this year. Players can still be managed by other agents that operate out of the same company as Tartak and Desira. Elsewhere, the NRL has issued Des Hasler with his final warning for criticising the match officials after the Gold Coast coach singled out a bunker referee in round 13. Hasler has become the second coach this season to receive an official final warning from the league after North Queensland boss Todd Payten last month. "Mr Hasler has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL Rules and Code of Conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader," read a statement from the NRL. "Negative public remarks about match officials significantly hinder the recruitment and retention of match officials at the community and pathways tiers of the game. "All rugby league participants are reminded to respect match officials who perform a vital role within the game." Asked about his comments ahead of Saturday's clash with Brisbane, Hasler said: "I was just pointing out a few things." Hasler was frustrated with a pivotal decision in the second half of his side's 28-16 loss to Melbourne last week and promised then to seek clarification from the NRL. Titans hooker Sam Verrills was denied a try on the grounds he had made contact with teammate Tino Fa'asuamaleaui as he attempted to burrow past Melbourne defenders lying in the ruck. Bunker official Kasey Badger ruled Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen had been denied the chance to tackle Verrills because of this contact, with the Storm scoring their match-sealing try minutes later. "Kasey got it wrong, again," Hasler said then of the call. "There's an email from the NRL about players lying in the ruck; that's fine, let them lie in the ruck, but you shouldn't lose the advantage. "They were lying all over the ground and six again, penalty, I don't know whether it was called, and young Vez (Verrills) picks up the ball and dives through, doesn't touch anyone, (Storm fullback Ryan) Papenhuyzen wasn't obstructed. "That was the word-for-word what the NRL sent out so I'll be interested to see what their explanation was."
7NEWS
05-06-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Two top NRL player agents banned and fined over serious alleged breaches
Two NRL player agents have received bans totalling 18 months and a collective $35,000 in fines for separate breaches of their accreditation, with one accused of failing to disclose police charges to the league. Mario Tartak, who represents such players as Josh Addo-Carr, Damien Cook and Haumole Olakau'atu, is alleged to have communicated with an underage player without a parent or guardian present. The NRL also claims he 'entered into a commercial arrangement with two NRL clubs', which is a breach of the league's accredited agent scheme rules. Tartak has been offered a 12-month suspension and $25,000 fine, with the NRL factoring in previous breach proceedings when considering his punishment. The agent received a breach notice from the NRL in 2019 for failing to disclose bankruptcy proceedings. A second agent Matthew Desira has been offered a six-month ban and $10,000 fine. The NRL claims the agent of Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall did not disclose 'police charges and court proceedings' brought against him. The pair's suspensions have the potential to cause headaches for players off contract this year, as well as those who will become free agents on November 1 ahead of their deals ending next season. Tartak's clients Addo-Carr, Cook, Nathan Brown and Luciano Leilua are among those off contract in 2026, while Danny Levi and Josh Schuster headline his list of players with deals expiring this year. Players can still be managed by other agents that operate out of the same company as Tartak and Desira. Elsewhere, the NRL has issued Des Hasler with his final warning for criticising the match officials after the Gold Coast coach singled out a bunker referee in round 13. Hasler has become the second coach this season to receive an official final warning from the league after North Queensland boss Todd Payten last month. 'Mr Hasler has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL Rules and Code of Conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader,' read a statement from the NRL. 'Negative public remarks about match officials significantly hinder the recruitment and retention of match officials at the community and pathways tiers of the game. 'All rugby league participants are reminded to respect match officials who perform a vital role within the game.' Asked about his comments ahead of Saturday's clash with Brisbane, Hasler said: 'I was just pointing out a few things.' Hasler was frustrated with a pivotal decision in the second half of his side's 28-16 loss to Melbourne last week and promised then to seek clarification from the NRL. Titans hooker Sam Verrills was denied a try on the grounds he had made contact with teammate Tino Fa'asuamaleaui as he attempted to burrow past Melbourne defenders lying in the ruck. Bunker official Kasey Badger ruled Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen had been denied the chance to tackle Verrills because of this contact, with the Storm scoring their match-sealing try minutes later. 'Kasey got it wrong, again,' Hasler said then of the call. 'There's an email from the NRL about players lying in the ruck; that's fine, let them lie in the ruck, but you shouldn't lose the advantage. 'They were lying all over the ground and six again, penalty, I don't know whether it was called, and young Vez (Verrills) picks up the ball and dives through, doesn't touch anyone, (Storm fullback Ryan) Papenhuyzen wasn't obstructed. 'That was the word-for-word what the NRL sent out so I'll be interested to see what their explanation was.'
7NEWS
05-06-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler on final warning after latest outburst to NRL officials
Gold Coast coach Des Hasler is on his final warning for 'direct and targeted criticism' towards the NRL referees. The league released a statement on Thursday following Hasler's explosive comments towards officials over the weekend. Hasler claimed bunker official Kasey Badger got a call wrong to deny the Titans a try, which resulted in a 12-point swing during the 26-16 loss to Melbourne Storm. Storm players Trent Leorio and Shawn Blore were caught up on the ground at the ruck and Titans dummy half Sam Verrills picked up the ball and dived over the line. But after a Melbourne challenge, Badger ruled Verrills had made contact with teammate Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who played the ball, which impeded Ryan Papenhuyzen in defence and was declared a no-try. While the Titans retained the ball due to the Storm ruck infringement and attacked the line, Melbourne's Grant Anderson intercepted a pass and raced 90 metres to score. 'Kasey got it wrong, again,' Hasler said at the post-match press conference, which he cut short after two questions. 'There's an email from the NRL about players lying in the ruck; that's fine, let them lie in the ruck, but you shouldn't lose the advantage. 'They were lying all over the ground and six again, penalty, I don't know whether it was called, and young Vez (Verrills) picks up the ball and dives through, doesn't touch anyone, Papenhuyzen wasn't obstructed. 'That was the word-for-word what the NRL sent out, so I'll be interested to see what their explanation was.' The NRL didn't take too kindly to the remarks. 'The NRL has issued Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler with a final warning for direct and targeted criticism of NRL Match Officials,' the league said in a statement. 'The final warning relates to comments made by Hasler following Round 13 of the NRL Premiership, as well as previous public statements regarding officiating.' 'Hasler has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL Rules and Code of Conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader. 'Negative public remarks about match officials significantly hinder the recruitment and retention of match officials at the community and pathways tiers of the game.' Cowboys coach Todd Payten was hit with a similar warning for his comments last month. Gold Coast are in last place after losing seven of their past eight, including last week's loss to Melbourne where they had at times looked a live chance of winning.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby League-NRL clubs face fines for ball-squirting trainers
SYDNEY (Reuters) -Two National Rugby League teams are facing A$10,000 ($6,431) fines as punishment for on-pitch trainers dousing the ball with water from drinks bottles to make it harder to catch during a match in Townsville last weekend. Reigning champions Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys were locked up at 30-30 last Saturday after the regulation 80 minutes, sending the game into "golden point" extra time. Panthers trainer Shane Elford, who also serves as the club's general manager of football, was spotted by the referee squirting the ball with liquid from a drinks bottle before his team kicked off the first extra period. Another ball was brought onto the field but it later transpired that home trainer Mitch Dunn had been spotted by officials doing the same thing before another kickoff during extra time. The NRL on Friday served the clubs breach notices, giving them five days to respond or accept the fines along with two-game bans for the offending trainers. "During the match, trainers from both clubs were observed squirting liquid onto the football prior to kick restarts of play, in contravention of the NRL Rules," the league said in a statement. "The NRL has ... reminded all clubs about the limitations of the roles of trainers on match days." In the event, neither team was able to score during the additional 10 minutes and the match finished in a draw, a relative rarity in the league since sudden-death extra time was introduced in 2003. ($1 = 1.5550 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
West Australian
15-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Final warning: Cowboys coach cautioned for ref comments
Todd Payten has been handed a final warning to stop criticising match officials after the North Queensland coach struggled to contain himself during a post-match tirade. Payten took aim at a handful of refereeing decisions in his side's 30-30 draw with Penrith last Saturday, saying he would not accept similar "howlers" from his players. The coach felt the referees missed a forward pass ahead of a Penrith try and were incorrect to penalise Murray Taulagi for a high tackle that allowed the Panthers to move upfield and score. "One of the (Panthers') tries was off a forward pass so I tell you how to fix that. Make the right call ... Get it right. Get it right," Payten said. "I'll talk to the NRL through the week, go through the right channels, but it's just white noise. 'Yeah, we got that wrong'. But no one's held accountable for it. "If it's my player making error after error, or a couple of howlers, then there's a fair chance he's not in the team." On Thursday, the NRL released a statement firing back at Payten for his "repeated and consistent criticism", which the league said dated back five years. While serving as interim Warriors coach in 2020, Payten said he had given referees boss Bernard Sutton a "piece of (my) mind" over calls that had "infuriated" him in a loss to Gold Coast. In 2022, he questioned whether in-form teams were given "the benefit of the doubt" by referees more than their struggling rivals, and said later that season the bunker was "too inconsistent" in officiating sin bins. The NRL has pledged a harsher stance on negative post-match commentary towards referees. "Mr Payten has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL Rules and Code of Conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader to set an appropriate example to grassroots and junior participants across the broader rugby league community," the NRL said in a statement. Payten's Cowboys host Manly on Saturday night.
