Agents and You /

A Rugby League playing contract can be a complex, detailed document, so too can the agreement between a Player and his Agent.

There are a few simple precautions to follow, so that you understand entirely the commitment of the Agent and the Player and to ensure that your agreement is accepted by the Rugby League’s regulatory body – the Rugby League Accredited Player Agent Scheme.

You may only sign with an Accredited Agent. There is no obligation for a Player to have an Agent; however if they elect to do so then the Agent must be accredited under the Rugby League Accredited Player Agent Scheme. A parent or family member can act as an Agent for a related Player without being an Accredited Agent.

Ask any Agent who approaches you if he/she is accredited then check if his/her name appears on the list published on the NRL Rugby League Players Association websites.

You may only sign with an accredited agent.

Player and agent contract

When you sign with an Agent, you are bound to that Agent for the period of the agreement unless the agreement is terminated. The termination procedures and rights are recorded in part 6 of the agreement. The obligations of both the Agent and Player are also clearly made out in the agreement.

The most common complaint, and reason for termination, is lack of communication by the Agent. The standard contract states that an Agent must have face-to-face contact with the Player at least twice each year unless the Player is based outside Australia and New Zealand.

There are three options you can choose when negotiating the fees payable to the agent;

1. On a percentage basis over the term of the agreement.
2. On a flat fee basis.
3. Or on an agreed hourly rate.

You are bound to pay the agreed commission on your earnings from any contract negotiated by your agent during the term of your agreement, irrespective if the playing contract exceeds beyond the end date of your player-agent agreement.

You are bound to pay the agreed commission on your earnings from any contract negotiated by your Agent during the term of your agreement, irrespective if the playing contract exceeds beyond the end date of your player-agent agreement. The fee’s payable under the agreement are clearly made out in part 5 of the Player-Agent Agreement.

If an Agent is no longer accredited or has his accreditation cancelled or suspended then the Player has the right to terminate the agreement.

An Agent can only use the approved ‘Standard Player Agent Agreement’ which bears the NRL logo with the words ‘Accredited Player Agent’ on the cover page.

Read carefully every clause of the agreement

You must be provided with the copy of the agreement prior to agreeing to it and also within 28 days of signing it and the Agent is then bound to provide the notification page (that you will see at the end of the contract) to the Operations Manager of the RLAPAS. Always retain your copy of your agreement in a safe place. Any Player under the age of 18 must have his agreement signed and authorised by a parent/guardian.

Important Note

All information contained on this website is not meant to be a substitute for the official contracts, codes or procedures of the NRL, Clubs or associated bodies such as ASADA. Players should not rely on this information alone in dealing with contractual or other NRL related issues. It is recommended that players refer to appropriate documents in full and that they seek their own professional advice before entering into any contracts.

There is no obligation for a player to have an agent; however if they elect to do so the agent must be accredited. A parent or family member can act as a negotiator/agent for a player without being an accredited agent.

If an agent is no longer accredited or has his accreditation cancelled or suspended then the player has the right to terminate the agreement.

An agent can only use the approved ‘Standard Player Agent Agreement’ which bears the NRL logo with the words ‘Accredited Player Agent’ on the cover page.

Read carefully every clause of the agreement

You must be provided with the copy of the agreement within 28 days of signing it and the agent is then bound to provide the notification page (that you will see at the end of the contract) to the operations manager of the RLAPAS. Always retain your copy of your agreement in a safe place. Any player under the age of 18 must have his agreement signed and authorised by a guardian.

Important Note

All information contained on this website is not meant to be a substitute for the official contracts, codes or procedures of the NRL, Clubs or associated bodies such as ASADA. Players should not rely on this information alone in dealing with contractual or other NRL related issues. It is recommended that players refer to appropriate documents in full and that they seek their own professional advice before entering into any contracts.

Find out more

Paul Massey
0437 600 200
pmassey@nrl.com.au