Jets target agent

Sports Writer. Published 04 March 2026, 02:30 pm


Lachie Bayliss, Clayton Taylor, Lachie Rose and Kosta Grozos are off contract at the Newcastle Jets. Pictures by Marina Neil, Jonathan Carroll, Darren Pateman
The Newcastle Jets say there has been a surge in players who want to play for the club following the turnaround under Mark Milligan, prompting them to implement ?stronger governance? to prevent ?inequitable representation?.
In response to player agent Tony Rallis suggesting other teams are offering Jets stars double what is on the table from Newcastle, club management released an extensive statement to the Newcastle Herald.
It is unclear if the Jets? reference to ?inequitable representation? relates specifically to an agent having too many players at one A-League club.

It has been an issue that has been raised publicly in the NRL, where there have been concerns about agents wielding enough power to dictate a team?s direction.
The new policy was outlined in a statement from part-owner Rob Camilleri of Maverick Sports Partners after Rallis labelled contract offers from the Jets to a number of his clients as ?disrespectful? and up to 50 per cent less than offers from rival A-League clubs.
Rallis represents eight players at the Jets.
Promising right fullback Joel Bertolissio signed a two-year extension a fortnight ago.
Clayton Taylor, Lachie Bayliss, Lachie Rose, Kosta Grozos, Ben Gibson, Noah James and Oscar Fryer are also on Rallis? books and are among nine players off contract.
Last season Rallis had 10 players and former coach Rob Stanton at the Jets. Taylor twice requested a release during the off-season.
?Of course there will be speculation regarding players? futures,? Camilleri said. ?This reflects the natural tension that occurs when you are top of the league.
?We have reduced, and will continue to mitigate risk associated with the inequitable representation and concentration that results in inherent conflicts and limited squad flexibility.
?We have introduced clear policies to ensure appropriate diversification of representation and decision-making independence.?
Taylor, Bayliss and Rose, in particular, have been integral to the Jets? rise to the top of the ladder.
Rallis said in the Newcastle Herald on Monday that there was great interest from abroad and rival A-League clubs in a number of his players.
?In Clayton Taylor?s case there are 10 clubs in the A-League which have made offers,? he said. ?Lachie Bayliss and Lachie Rose have received offers from four clubs. Oscar Fryer and Ben Gibson have each had two clubs inquire about them.
?The Jets are disrespecting them with offers, in some cases that are 50 per cent less than other A-League clubs are willing to pay.?
The A-League operates under a salary cap of $2.55 million but with marquee and other concessions in place, most clubs spend well above that figure.
A hard $3 million cap has been flagged for next season, but the players union, Professional Footballers Australia, is campaigning against that move.
It appears, from the statement, that the Jets are not about to enter a bidding war for players.
?As owners, our responsibility is to build a sustainable football club ? not just a successful team for one season, but an identity that reflects our community and their expectation of their team, how they should play, competing consistently for silverware every year,? Camilleri said. ?This is our civic responsibility.
?While we value every player who has contributed to the Jets? progress, we also have a fiscal responsibility to our community, and the forthcoming A-League salary hard cap cannot be ignored.
?If we simply succumbed to agents? demands we would be both fiscally irresponsible and would struggle to meet our salary cap requirements.?
Camilleri also took aim at the ?disrespectful? tag used by Rallis.
?The mere fact that our players are attracting overseas interest and getting significant offers of over 50 per cent more from other clubs is great for the players and their families,? he said.
?At the end of the day, this is why they work so terribly hard at their craft ? to achieve things and maximise their earning potential.
?The football department works tirelessly to ensure all of our players reach their maximum potential and beyond. This is not disrespectful. Quite the opposite.
?Led by our football department, we are confident that the structures we have in place will ensure we maintain a balanced and very competitive squad that are contenders for finals and silverware on a consistent basis.
?We are certainly well positioned to do this, and Mark Milligan and his team have proven their ability to develop and improve players, ensuring they become the best versions of themselves.
?This achievement is evidenced by the number young talented footballers wanting to come and play for the Jets ? it?s overwhelming.
?Our focus is unwavering and remains unchanged: building a sustainable, competitive club that represents Newcastle and the Hunter region with pride for years to come. This is our civic responsibility ? this is Newcastle?s team.?

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