Both players were stood down by the club on Tuesday after being arrested and charged with affray and offensive behaviour in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving their careers hanging in the balance.

McGregor confirmed on Wednesday that he had spoken to the pair and that they had been involved in an altercation but said he is leaving the ongoing investigation in the hands of the club and the NRL Integrity Unit.

“They played reserve grade that day and obviously went out afterwards,” McGregor said.

“Nothing really good happens after midnight and unfortunately they got into an argument which turned into an altercation and police arrests from there.

“The decision’s been made at a management level to stand those players down until they gather some more information. 

“I’m sure once they get all the information together they’ll make a judgement on it then.

“I haven’t seen footage of it or anything so I don’t know how the fight started or what happened in the lead up.

“I know they’ve been charged but they’ve got to go to court before they’re found guilty and that’s in some time.

“I’ve expressed to the players what I think and that’s all that needs to be said on that.”

The drama could not have come at a worse time for the club amid criticism of their on-field performance from frustrated fans.

Sunday’s incident has opened the floodgates even further and McGregor admitted the timing of the incident was disappointing.

“These incidents are never good and certainly the timing’s not good at the moment,” McGregor said.

“At the moment we’re getting our fair share [of criticism] and this doesn’t help. It’s disappointing and I know the players are disappointed with themselves.

“For me it’s not great because they’re two players I hold in good value and obviously the depth of our club is weakened with those players not available.”

Whilst disappointed in their actions, McGregor said it was the club’s responsibility to look after the players welfare as they face uncertain futures.

“We’ve got to worry about their welfare as well,” McGregor said.

“They know they’ve done the wrong thing but they still need support.

“It’s about more than football, it’s about their livelihoods and it’s disappointing they can’t take that time back.”