Chris Orr (PSM)

This week’s guest on lifting the lid is Chris Orr - the co-owner of one of the largest sports management companies in Australia, Pacific Sports Management.  A schoolboy star, Chris enjoyed a successful career in the ARL/NRL before retiring relatively early to start his own management company with his brother Gavin. We talk all things footy including the set backs, club hopping, finding a home on the Gold Coast and transitioning from player to manager. This involved a different approach at the time that concentrated on taking on the youth of the game – signing such players as Greg Bird and Nate Myles as 15 year olds. We also discuss the challenges in business of dealing with the different personalities, club negotiations, the media and how the entrepreneurial spirit runs in the Orr family. Chris opens up on the Jason Taumalolo and Daly Cherry-Evans first of their kind long-term contracts. How the relationship between player and agent is the most important aspect of sports management - one that goes beyond their playing days as he cites in examples including Nate Myles, Brenton Lawrence, Kevin Campion and Ashley Harrison. We also delve a bit deeper into working with family and the ongoing battle to creating a happy work/life balance and how having support from good people and the courage to go after your dreams is the key to living life on your terms. The future looks bright for PSM as they look to expand beyond management into events, combines, and the American market.   But above all, the most important thing to remember is that sports agents are people too. I hope you all enjoy it!   Connect with me: Email: [email protected] FaceBook: @bravadafilms Twitter: @bravadafilms Instagram: @bravadafilms / @deancod