St George Illawarra officials had to reprimand two players after a late-night argument spilled over outside the team hotel following their loss to South Sydney in Mudgee on Saturday.
Sources with knowledge of the situation speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect the identity of the players told the Herald the two players had been out drinking with select teammates when they returned to their room and began arguing.
The argument then spilled out of their room in the Winning Post Motor Inn Hotel, waking up teammates who intervened to split the pair after what has been described as a minor scuffle. Club officials insist no punches were thrown.
The club allowed the players to go out and drink given there was a long turnaround until their next game in round two following the bye in the opening round of the NRL season.
The club is disappointed with the behaviour of the players and spoke to them about the issue on Sunday. The players now face disciplinary action from the club over the incident which, according to those at the Dragons, fails to meet club standards.
It came after a disappointing showing from the Dragons in Saturday’s Charity Shield against South Sydney in Mudgee. The Dragons trailed 26-0 at half-time before eventually going down 42-24.
The club released a statement: “The Dragons are aware of a verbal argument that took place between two players at the team hotel on Sunday morning. The club regards this behaviour as unacceptable and will now determine whether any disciplinary action is warranted. The club will make no further comment at this time.”
