Big-name NRL player agents hit with huge bans, fines as career-threatening breaches emerge

Several prominent rugby league player agents face up to 12 months out of the game after being hit with huge bans and fines.

The NRL on Thursday confirmed the big penalties handed down to Mario Tartak, Matt Desira, Nash Dawson and Chris Orr for breaches of the Accredited Agent Scheme Rules.

The quartet represent some of the biggest stars in rugby league including Reece Walsh, Josh Addo-Carr and Dylan Brown. They’ll face further punishment if they continue to negotiate deals for their clients while under suspension.

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It comes with St George Illawarra’s Damien Cook (Tartak client), Newcastle’s Greg Marzhew (Desira) and Parammatta’s Ryan Matterson (Orr) due to come off-contract in 2026.

Orr also represents gun Knights recruit Brown, Tartak looks after Eels jet Addo-Carr and Broncos superstar Walsh is part of Dawson’s stable

Read the sanctions below.

Mario Tartak suspended for 12 months, fined $25,000.

“It was alleged that Mr Tartak communicated with an underage player without a parent and/or legal guardian being present. It was also alleged that Mr Tartak entered into a commercial arrangement with two NRL Clubs, in breach of the NRL Accredited Agent Scheme Rules,” the statement read.

“The proposed penalty took into consideration previous breach proceedings which imposed conditions that further breaches could result in suspension of accreditation.”

Matthew Desira suspended for six months, fined $10,000.

“The determination relates to non-reporting and dishonesty following police charges and court proceedings which were brought against Mr Desira,” the statement read.

Nash Dawson suspended for nine months, fined $15,000.

“It was alleged Mr Dawson breached the NRL Accredited Agent Scheme Rules and the Accredited Agents’ Code of Conduct following a physical altercation with agent Chris Orr following the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships in 2024,” the statement read.

“It was also alleged Mr Dawson failed to co-operate with the NRL Integrity Unit.”

Chris Orr suspended for six months, fined $10,000.

“It was alleged that Mr Tartak communicated with an underage player without a parent and/or legal guardian being present. It was also alleged that Mr Tartak entered into a commercial arrangement with two NRL Clubs, in breach of the NRL Accredited Agent Scheme Rules,” the league statement read.

“The proposed penalty took into consideration previous breach proceedings which imposed conditions that further breaches could result in suspension of accreditation.”