- Agent has been at the centre of several recent controversies
- Prominent journalist had been critical of his role in the NRL
- Channel Nine slammed for bowing down to the request
A leading NRL journalist has been sensationally removed from a national TV program following pressure from Parramatta star Mitchell Moses and his agent, Isaac Moses.
Michael Chammas, Nine’s top rugby league reporter, was pulled from his regular seat on Channel 9’s 100% Footy on Monday night.
The move came after the Moses camp made it clear they would boycott the show if Chammas remained on the panel.
News Corp confirmed the network bowed to the demands, despite branding itself ‘Independent Always.’
The decision has sparked widespread anger among viewers, media professionals, and former players.
Many believe it highlights the growing and unchecked influence of player managers within the NRL ecosystem.
Eels halfback Mitchell Moses is Isaac Moses’ cousin and was scheduled to appear on 100% Footy on Monday night
Isaac Moses, the director of Cove Agency and his cousins’ manager, reportedly requested a senior reporter who had been critical of him was removed from the 100% Footy panel
Chammas declined to comment when approached by News Corp, while his replacement, veteran reporter Danny Weidler, was said to be hesitant about stepping in under such circumstances.
Weidler ultimately did appear, but the fallout was immediate.
Critics took to social media, calling the decision ‘insanity’ and accusing Isaac Moses of overstepping his role in the game.
‘Isaac Moses & his cousin Mitch dictating to TV networks who they can & can’t have as a guest on their panel is insanity,’ wrote one user.
Another added: ‘How soft of Channel 9 – they should have rejected the request.’
Chammas has been one of the few prominent journalists willing to openly question Isaac Moses’ conduct in the sport.
Moses, a powerful figure in rugby league circles, has a long history of controversy.
In 2017, he was found to have helped his client Tim Mannah provide false evidence during the NRL’s salary cap investigation into the Parramatta Eels.
Michael Chammas is a regular on the 100% Footy panel and has called out Isaac Moses over a number of recent controversies
Danny Weidler was picked to replace Chammas on the panel to interview Mitch Moses on Monday
Wests Tigers star Lachlin Galvin was the most recent player at the centre of an Isaac Moses controversy and was sent back to reserve grade after announcing he would not re-sign for the club
That breach led to Moses having his accreditation cancelled in 2020, a decision upheld on appeal in 2021 due to the seriousness of the offence.
Despite that, he was reinstated in 2022, returning to player representation with full privileges.
His influence has raised eyebrows across several clubs.
At the Brisbane Broncos and Manly Sea Eagles, he managed key players and even the head coach, prompting fears of conflicts of interest.
The current uproar comes just weeks after Moses was central to the Lachlan Galvin saga.
The young Wests Tigers playmaker, also managed by Moses, announced he would not re-sign beyond 2026.
The club was then handed a document reportedly listing grievances against head coach Benji Marshall – believed to have originated from Moses himself.
Many are now asking how far the influence of agents should stretch.
‘Isaac Moses isn’t happy with any journalist that dares be objective,’ another user posted.
‘I won’t be watching and I’m disgusted by Channel Nine’s lack of loyalty to their own reporter.’
The decision to ban Chammas has also fuelled calls to once again review Moses’ accreditation.
‘All the more reason for Isaac Moses to be deregistered from the sport,’ one post read.
