Pat Weisner, a well-known former rugby player, half-back, Super League athlete, and current head coach of the North Sydney Bears, is facing an investigation related to a sports betting scandal. He stands accused of placing express bets on matches in the NRLW and NSW Cup.
As the head coach who has achieved an impressive record of 14 wins in 20 matches this season, leading the Bears to the top of the NSW championship, Weisner may face suspension pending the outcome of the investigation—assuming his guilt is established.
Weisner is represented by prominent Sydney lawyer Paul McGirr, who addressed the allegations, stating: "My client's case is on the hearing list. We will certainly contest the charges and call witnesses. My client did not place the bet. We have a witness who will testify that the bet was made from Weisner's account without his knowledge." McGirr asserts that Weisner was well-versed in the gambling code of conduct and did not engage in betting on any rugby league matches. Weisner maintains his innocence and officially pleads not guilty.