Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar has been handed a three-match suspension and fined $10,000 by the NRL following an incident at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 2. The breach notice, issued on Monday, alleges that Agar grabbed a journalist by the throat during the showpiece event. According to reports, the altercation occurred in a less public area of the stadium, where tensions were already high after the Warriors suffered a 30-8 loss to Canberra.
Suspension and Fine Details
Under the disciplinary action, Agar will miss three upcoming matches, including clashes against the Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers, and Melbourne Storm. Notably, he is barred from travelling with the Warriors for the final two of these matches, both of which are scheduled to take place in Australia. Half of the $10,000 fine has been suspended, contingent on Agar avoiding any further offences. In addition to the suspension, Agar has been ordered to undertake appropriate education and training as part of his penalty.
Background and Previous Roles
Agar, who has a rich coaching background in the Super League—having worked with Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity, and Leeds Rhinos—joined the Warriors’ coaching staff in 2023 under head coach Andrew Webster. His previous experience includes a stint on Samoa’s coaching staff, which helped shape his coaching approach before making the transition to the NRL. The incident in Las Vegas marks a new chapter in his career, with the breach notice requiring him to respond within five business days.
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Wider Context and Repercussions
The clash with the journalist has reignited discussions about conduct and professionalism in high-pressure environments, particularly in international competitions. The journalist involved, who had known Agar from his time in England, reported that the confrontation took place away from the main media areas, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Victoria Police and the NRL have both emphasized that no form of violent behaviour will be tolerated, underscoring the need for all staff to adhere to strict standards of conduct on and off the field. With the incident now under formal review, further details about the taskforce investigating the matter are expected to be outlined in the coming days.
What’s Next
Richard Agar is now required to respond to the breach notice within five business days. In the meantime, he will serve his suspension, missing three crucial matches while being prohibited from travelling for the final two. The NRL and the Warriors’ management have both reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for both staff and media personnel, with additional measures planned to ensure compliance with these standards.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
