Former Hull KR and Leigh rugby league player suspended amid scandal

An Australian coach has been stood down amid claims of a gambling scandal. Pat Weisner, of North Sydney Bears, is accused of breaching New South Wales Rugby League rules by betting on matches.

A statement of the New South Wales Cup club’s website stated: “The hearing into allegations, as a result of the NSWRL Code of Conduct Breach against North Sydney Bears Head Coach Pat Weisner has been adjourned for another fortnight.

“During this period and until the hearing is finalised, as a condition of the breach notice Weisner has been stood down from his role. No further comment by the club will be made at this stage.”

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Weisner is accused of betting on matches in various competitions.

“I can confirm a registered person has been issued with a code of conduct breach in relation to an attempt to place a bet on some rugby league games in breach of the NRL code of conduct and in breach of the NSWRL code of conduct,” the Herald quoted NSWRL chief executive David Trodden as saying.

Weisner is understood to deny the allegations. According to Australia’s Daily Telegraph, Weisner claims a bet was placed from his account by another person, without Weisner’s knowledge.

Weisner has been at the Bears since 2021 and was appointed head-coach last November. As a player he spent five years in England with Leigh, Halifax, Harlequins RL, Barrow and Hull KR.