Braith Anasta Quits Player Agent Role as NRL Cracks Down on Media Conflicts

Braith Anasta, host of Fox League’s NRL 360, has surrendered his accreditation as a player agent, citing the difficulty of juggling both roles. The move comes as the NRL implements a crackdown on conflicts of interest among media personalities, with the governing body appointing a media watchdog to monitor broadcast partners Nine and Foxtel. Anasta managed high-profile players including Storm star Cameron Munster and Dragons client Lachlan Ilias through his Searoo Sports agency.

Why Anasta stepped away from player management

Anasta confirmed on Wednesday that he will hand his player agent accreditation to his Searoo Sports business partner Justin Caines, who has worked in the sport for the past decade. “I want to focus entirely on my hosting with Fox because it’s become a bit difficult to navigate,” Anasta told News Corp. His dual roles created scrutiny around impartiality when discussing players he also represented on air.

The NRL’s new conflict of interest rules

The NRL flagged plans to crack down on high-profile media personalities following its landmark recent broadcast deal. The governing body will employ a media watchdog to monitor conflicts through broadcast partners Nine and Foxtel. The move targets figures who hold multiple roles that could compromise editorial independence.

Other media figures under scrutiny

Anasta is not alone in holding dual roles. Phil Gould works as a commentator and analyst for Nine while serving as general manager of football at the Bulldogs. Matty Johns and Gorden Tallis both have ownership stakes in the Titans while working extensively on Fox League. Greg Alexander holds a Penrith board position, while Cameron Smith advises the Broncos.

Anasta’s client roster and past controversies

Anasta’s Searoo Sports managed Cameron Munster, Jonah Pezet, Jesse Southwell, Lachlan Ilias, and Willie Peters, the inaugural PNG Chiefs head coach. Earlier in 2025, Anasta faced criticism for his on-air comments about former Dragons coach Shane Flanagan and his treatment of Ilias, one of Anasta’s clients. The conflict raised questions about whether his dual roles compromised his editorial judgment.

Final Thoughts

Anasta’s exit signals the NRL is serious about policing media conflicts. With a watchdog now monitoring broadcast partners, other high-profile figures juggling club roles and on-air positions may face similar pressure to choose.

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