Macdonald, contracted to the Dragons for the next three years, is under the spotlight after he appeared in a photograph with Chris Bloomfield, facing extortion charges at Southport Magistrate Court and who Queensland Police allege is a bikie gang member.

A video, posted on Snapchat following the Titans' crashed out of the finals on Friday night, shows Bloomfield – a former Gold Coast under 20s player and alleged Hells Angels member – holding up a wad of cash to the camera and saying: “Sweet. Haynesy just gave me five grand”. The camera then pans across to Hayne, who at first appears to be looking at his phone. Hayne responds by shrugging his shoulders and saying: “Cash money fam, cash money.”

Hayne released a statement denying the money was his, or having any previous connection to Bloomfield. 

“At the time, I was not aware of this person’s history with the law and alleged bikie affiliations,” Hayne wrote.

St George Illawarra’s executive football manager Ben Haran told Fairfax Media the club is yet to have any involvement in the matter.

“Nene is contracted to the Gold Coast until October 31,” Haran said. “We haven’t been contacted by the integrity unit, but we would certainly be interested in any relevant information at the appropriate time.” The incident has added more unwanted heat for the Dragons, with their post-season review in full swing.

After struggling in attack, the Dragons missed the finals and prolonged negotiations with Benji Marshall and Mitch Rein resulted in them leaving the club. 

Missing out on a number of high-profile targets, including Hayne, the Dragons then added pace and strike in the outside backs by signing Macdonald. The incident also comes as Tim Lafai and Siliva Havili face affray charges for a late night incident in Wollongong, where they were stood down, but later reinstated, by the club.

Coach Paul McGregor will face court next month for a low-range drink driving charge after being breath tested in April.