League: Bulldogs probe brawl claim

The Bulldogs have hired private investigators to look into allegations that lower grade five-eighth Daniel Holdsworth was involved in a brawl outside a Cronulla nightclub early yesterday morning.

Holdsworth was reportedly questioned by police at 1am following an altercation near a nightspot in Cronulla Mall, the incident said to have come after the 24-year-old had been denied entry to the venue.

"We'll conduct our own internal investigation through a third party," Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore said. "Until we find out exactly what happened we're not in a position to make any comment on it."

Moore said he had spoken to Holdsworth yesterday morning, but would not elaborate on the conversation.

A regular first grader in recent seasons, Holdsworth has been unable to break into the Bulldogs top side under Moore and played for the club's NSW Cup feeder side on Saturday.

A News Limited report claimed Holdsworth left the scene but was pursued by police officers, who questioned him for more than 30 minutes.

He was not arrested or charged and he has reportedly denied throwing any punches.

The incident came on the day the NRL announced it would form a committee to develop guidelines on recommended penalties for league players who misbehave off the field.

The committee will comprise NRL and Rugby League Players Association delegates as well as club chief executives Stephen Noyce (Sydney Roosters), Todd Greenberg (Bulldogs), Shane Richardson (South Sydney) and Bruno Cullen (Brisbane).

- AAP