Warilla teammates and brothers Jaiden Paul King, 23, and Nick King, 22, are each charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. 

The allegations stem from a Group Seven clash between Warilla-Lake South Gorillas and Shellharbour Stingrays on August 5. 

The pair are due to front Port Kembla Local Court on October 10. 

Lake Illawarra Police District’s sergeant Matt Brophy acknowledged it was rare for a sport-related matter to make it to the courts. 

“When you play a contact sport, you are consenting to an assault, that’s part of the game,” he said. 

“Anything that steps outside that could be considered a criminal issue. 

“However generally, provided that the parties are willing to accept that and don’t report to police, we do leave most matters to the appropriate judiciary.” 

Conflict erupted during the August 5 game; police were called when a fight involving multiple members of both clubs broke out just after fulltime. 

That the brawl allegedly happened off-field, involved spectators as well as players, with children looking on, are factors that have piqued police interest. 

“Anti-social, unruly behavior – unlawful behavior – at sporting events won’t be tolerated and NSW Police will action it appropriately,” Sgt Brophy said. 

Sgt Brophy confirmed the conduct of a third player linked to the August 5 clash remains under investigation. 

Group Seven convened a special board meeting in the game’s aftermath, with seven charges resulting.