The league has decided to deregister the contracts of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs pair after the duo were found to break the competition's code of conduct.

Both were involved in a sex scandal during the club's pre-season trip to Port Macquarie, which included a club-organised school visit. 

This was uncovered in the week leading into the competition's season opener between the Bulldogs and Eels and the pair were immediately stood down by their club. 

Though consensual, NRL CEO Todd Greenberg did not mince his words as he explained the governing body's decision. 

"The behaviour of both players was inexcusable and a very serious breach of the code of conduct," he said.

"The game will not tolerate such conduct and as such both players have had their registrations cancelled.

"This decision should send a very clear message to all players of our stance on such behaviour."

The Bulldogs also released a statement.

"The conduct of the two players, on the eve of our final trial match, demonstrated an unacceptable lack of respect for their teammates, their coach and club officials, our hosts in Port Macquarie and fans of the game everywhere."

“We want to assure our members, partners and supporters that we have outstanding people at the Bulldogs who are working harder than ever to make sure anyone associated with our club understands that we have a culture that we all live by and that this type of behaviour will simply not be tolerated.”

Canterbury and the NRL have assisted the families of both throughout the ordeal and will continue to do so. 

The club will liaise with the NRL, Rugby League Players Association and the duo's agents to make sure their welfare is supported.