NRL coach ‘rejects claims’ he allegedly ‘grabbed a reporter’s throat’ as Warriors ‘wait to review CCTV footage’ following Las Vegas showpiece
New Zealand Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar is understood to have ‘rejected claims’ that he allegedly ‘grabbed the throat’ of a Guardian Australia reporter during his side’s defeat by the Canberra Raiders on Sunday, according to reports.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Monday that the Warriors were waiting to review CCTV footage of the alleged incident.
Agar, 53, who hails from the United Kingdom, was alleged to have ‘grabbed a reporter by the throat’ at half-time during this weekend’s opening NRL round at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The outlet adds that Agar had allegedly been walking from the coaches’ box at the Allegiant Stadium and past the media rooms where the alleged incident took place.
Sources close to the Warriors are understood to have told The Daily Telegraph that the alleged disagreement relates to ‘an issue dating back multiple years’.
Warriors CEO Cameron George told Daily Mail Australia that the club was investigating the alleged incident and were also working closely with the NRL’s Integrity Unit.
The NRL and New Zealand Warriors are investigating an alleged incident which is said to have involved assistant coach Richard Agar (pictured)
The Warriors were beaten by the Raiders during this weekend’s opening NRL Round in Las Vegas
Agar (pictured, centre, during his time coaching Leeds Rhinos) was alleged to have ‘grabbed a reporter by the throat’ at half-time
‘Post game I was made aware of an alleged incident at halftime involving assistant coach Richard Agar and an English journalist,’ George said.
‘This morning I had the opportunity to speak with the NRL Integrity Unit. They are working through their process which will include us.
‘I hope their process will be efficient and prompt so we can provide clarity on the matter.’
NRL chief Andrew Abdo has confirmed the league is investigating the alleged incident.
‘The matter is of concern for us and if the allegations are true…the matter is under review by the integrity team,’ Abdo said.
‘The allegations are serious and we will have a look at all the evidence and make a decision really quickly.’
Agar has been working as an assistant coach under Andrew Webster since 2023.
Prior to joining up with the Kiwi outfit, Agar had spent three years working with Leeds, notably leading the Rhinos to their Challenge Cup Final victory against Salford back in 2020.
