A convicted criminal who dabbles in cage fighting has decked NRL stars Greg Bird and Nick Youngquest in an incident at a Cronulla bar over the weekend.
According to New Limited reports, a man known only as Danyan hit Youngquest from behind with a heavy blow at Sting Bar at around 6pm on Sunday.
When Origin and Test star Bird came in to lend his support, Danyan put one on the Sharks utility's chin as well.
The two NRL stars were not aware Danyan was a cage fighter who had recently been released from jail.
Sharks CEO Tony Zappia was quick to defend his controversy-prone star.
"Greg went for a few beers when some bloke belted Nick Youngquest - he king-hit him in the jaw,'' Zappia told News Limited.
"Birdy then went in and he got whacked too. Birdy then wrestled the bloke to the ground before security intervened and escorted the bloke out of the premises.
"All Greg was doing was protecting Nick Youngquest. This happened at 6pm and Birdy was home by 8.30pm.''
"Greg did nothing wrong,'' Zappia said.
"It wasn't late at night and he wasn't intoxicated. He didn't leave our fan day until 3.30pm and this happened at 6pm. Greg was very open and honest with the club. He came straight to myself and Ricky (Stuart, Sharks coach) and told us what happened.''
A witness to the incident told News Limited: "Greg is old school. He went straight in to help his mate. The bloke really cleaned up Youngquest. He was a bit mad.''
Bulldogs star Daniel Holdsworth was present in the bar but took no part in the drama.
Youngquest has been cleared of any blame by the Bulldogs, but has been issued a reprimand.
Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed to New Limited that Youngquest was attacked.
"Nick copped a whack,'' he said.
"I can't find out a reason as to why it happened but the players (Youngquest and Holdsworth) claimed it wasn't their fault.
"Bird came in over the top - he did the right thing. The lunatic was then kicked out. Nick and Bird went outside and got a taxi home. They just wanted to get away. It is a reminder that players need to be very careful about where they go for a drink and the type of people they mix with.''
