The players attended a Dragons home game at Community Oval on Sunday, August 23, following their final game of the season the night before.

Group 6 subsequently received complaints from two individuals who were in attendance at the game, accusing the Lions players of behaving inappropriately.

An official complaint was also received from the Moss Vale Dragons.

Mittagong president Geoff Alcock confirmed that a large group of Mittagong players attended the game, but said they were not representing the club in any capacity.

“The Group has cited players, not the Mittagong club,” he said.

Mr Alcock said he was “absolutely disappointed” that the matter had come before the group.

“While they are only allegations at this stage, if they are found to be true, I would be very disappointed,” he said.

“I support any action the group may take.”

The charges have been levelled under Section 48A of the Group 6 constitution, which relates to discipline.

Section 48A includes a clause meant to deter conduct “which is detrimental or prejudicial to the welfare of rugby league”.

Group 6 president Grahame Andrews confirmed the players have been cited as individuals and no action will be taken against the Mittagong club.

“We don’t regard the club at fault at this time in this matter,” he said.

However, the letter of citation ordering the nine players to attend the disciplinary hearing is addressed to Alcock in his capacity as the Lions president.

It is signed by Group 6 Secretary Warren Horsfield.

Horsfield declined to comment on the matter and said he did not want to prejudge the outcome of the hearing.

If found guilty, the players face a range of sanctions including fines and suspensions.

For the most serious offences, there is a possibility of suspensions lasting several years and applying to all rugby league competitions worldwide.