Greenberg talked all things related to the game with the squad, but the game's handling of de Belin's ongoing sexual assault case was front and centre of discussions.

It was widely reported in February that Greenberg met with de Belin and urged him to stand down himself down while he fights charges of aggravated sexual assault.

De Belin refused in no uncertain terms and became the first player stood-down under NRL's no-fault policy a day later, effectively becoming the pilot case in major shift from the game on off-field issues.

The distraction has had a major impact on the Dragons campaign that has them at long odds to reach the finals with seven games to play.

Read more: Sacking Dragons coach 'not the answer to club's woes'

It was the first time Greenberg has made such a visit. McGregor noted as much but said the discussions were productive.

"That was mentioned," McGregor said of the timing.

"Todd addressed the playing group first and they expressed their feeling on a number of matters. Then myself and the football managers had some discussions with Todd around a few things about the game and certainly around the Jack de Belin situation.

"What was said in that room should stay there but we expressed our feelings and certainly Todd and Nick [Weeks] took on board the distraction it's been for our footy team throughout the year.

"It was a good conversation. It's definitely a work in progress, it's a pretty rare situation and Jack de Belin's only one part of a sum [of issues] this year and why we're not performing to our standards.

"Certainly it's a fair part and we let Todd know what we need to do about it in the future going forward and we feel we left the room with a better understanding than when we went in."

As first revealed by The Mercury on Wednesday, de Belin is now facing a possible life sentence after he was with an additional charge in Wollongong Court.

He, and co-accused Callan Sinclair, were committed to stand trial on five charges in NSW District Court, with their arraignment set down for August 20.

It's one of many court dates for de Belin who unsuccessfully challenged the no-fault policy in NSW Federal Court in May, a decision he has appealed and continues to fight.

The criminal matter is expected to drag well into next season, with the club to look at its handling of the matter to ensure the distraction is minimised in 2020.

The court action is self-funded by de Belin but CEO Brian Johnston says the club will continue to provide welfare support.

"The matter at the Federal Court is at arm's length to us as a club yes, but we still do take the welfare of the individual, regardless of his court cases, very seriously and offer support in other ways," Johnston said.