Cronulla pair Andrew and David Fifita have been stood down pending the outcome of a club investigation into allegations they misbehaved at a game officiated by the Penrith and District Junior Rugby League.

The move follows the pair receiving a 12-month ban by the body, although they have five days to decide whether to appeal that decision.

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Andrew Fifita has been accused of threatening to harm the referee during a match between his former club St Patrick’s and St Mary’s, while David allegedly swore at the official.

“The club has today received, and is reviewing and assessing, statements from a variety of people present at the match including match officials, participating club representatives, ground officials and independent witnesses,” the Sharks said in a statement.

“In assessing these reports it is evident that conflicting versions of events exist.

“There is a process which must now be allowed to occur to give the players the opportunity to review that information and respond and that process is underway.

“As a part of that process the players have advised they intend to defend the more serious charges levelled against them.”