Adding to Melbourne’s concerns, back-rower Shawn Blore is facing the prospect of a sanction after pleading guilty to common assault following an incident in Sydney in July 2024.
Blore appeared in Downing Centre Local Court in October and received a six-month good behaviour bond, but no conviction was recorded.
NRL player agent Mario Tartak.Credit: Meredith Schofield
After the court hearing, the Storm released a statement saying Blore had “fully cooperated with NSW Police throughout their investigation” and was “genuinely remorseful for his involvement in this incident”.
Due to the timing of Thursday’s announcements just before Christmas, the NRL said the Roosters and Storm would be granted “an extended opportunity” to respond to their breach notices, as would Blore.
Meanwhile, four high-profile player managers – Mario Tartak, Matt Desira, Nash Dawson and Chris Orr – have been suspended and fined by the NRL for alleged breaches of the rules for accredited agents.
The NRL issued breach notices to the quartet in June and on Thursday released a statement declaring it had “made a final determination” regarding sanctions.
Chris Orr with Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters.Credit: Instagram
Tartak, who manages Dragons co-captain Damien Cook, Parramatta winger Josh Addo-Carr and Manly enforcer Haumole Olakau’atu, among others, has been handed the most severe penalty – a 12-month ban and $25,000 fine.
The NRL alleges that Tartak “communicated with an underage player without a parent and/or legal guardian being present”.
Under current rules, player managers are not allowed to approach players before the year in which they turn 15. A parent or legal guardian must typically be present in any discussions with an agent until the age of 17.
The NRL also claims Tartak violated the rules when he “entered into a commercial arrangement with two NRL clubs”, which was regarded as a conflict of interest.
His sanction considered previous breaches, after which conditions were imposed to deter him from further transgressions.
Desira, whose company manages Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall, Gold Coast utility Jayden Campbell and Canterbury centre Bronson Xerri, was suspended for six months and fined $10,000.
The governing body said his sanction “relates to non-reporting and dishonesty following police charges and court proceedings which were brought against Mr Desira”.
Desira pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in May last year. No conviction was recorded after he was originally arrested at Kings Cross nightclub Sussudio.
Dawson and Orr have paid the price for a much-publicised “physical altercation” at last year’s Australian Secondary Schools Championships in Port Macquarie.
Dawson, whose clients include Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, has been suspended for nine months and fined $15,000.
Orr, who represents stars Jahrome Hughes, Dylan Brown, Valentine Holmes and Selwyn Cobbo, was hit with a six-month ban and $10,000 fine.
As well as the incident in Port Macquarie, the NRL further alleged Dawson and Orr “failed to co-operate with the NRL integrity unit”.
Loading
Orr’s company, Pacific Sports Management, said in a statement: “We unequivocally reaffirm to our clients, partners and supporters that the PSM Team will continue to conduct its business with professionalism, integrity and unwavering dedication, consistent with the standards we have upheld for more than 26 years.
“The NRL has referenced Mr Chris Orr in relation to a matter which occurred on the 30 June 2024 under the Accredited Agent Scheme. This matter is firmly in the hands of the companies’ legal representatives. Mr Chris Orr is taking immediate and decisive steps to address the allegations and protect his reputation.”
