Luke Brooks has led an impassioned defence of Wests Tigers teammates Josh Reynolds and Russell Packer after the pair made an early exit during the side's win over Manly.
Both Reynolds and Packer, who were not in the 17, left the club's seating area at halftime before the come-from-behind win that kept the Tigers' season alive.
Coach Michael Maguire has since claimed the pair told him they were cold, while there are no club rules saying reserves must attend and sit through matches.
However, the issue comes at a bad time, with suggestions of a split in the playing camp last week and Benji Marshall being tapped on the shoulder.
"The boys have our full support. In my eyes they didn't do anything wrong," halfback Brooks said.
"I didn't know (they left), we were playing a game. We're not looking into the stands to see who is there.
"It feels like they (the media) are just picking things to have a go at us as a club.
"Us as players, we can't worry about it too much. Whatever people say outside the club we can't let it affect us."
The issue has prompted a range of criticism from former Tigers, with the club on the verge of their ninth straight season out of the finals.
Tigers great Steve Roach, who was calling the game for Fox Sports, slammed the pair's move after learning of their disappearing act.
"They'd want a good excuse, but I don't think there is an excuse. A lot of it is about the coach trusting you. I don't think 'Madge' [Michael Maguire] will use them again," Roach said.
"You can't not hang around. It's all about attitude, who knows if these guys would have been used next week, and you have to be ready. [Leaving early] is no preparation for a game."
Reynolds and Packer are among the highest paid players at the NRL club, signed to long deals that expire next year from when Ivan Cleary was coach.
Reynolds has played just nine games this year, with his only two appearances since early July having come off the bench while Harry Grant was injured.
Packer meanwhile has played just six games, having not been picked for the past fortnight.
Teammates said neither player had addressed the group over the matter on Monday morning, and insisted they should not feel the need to.
"They're two of the most passionate players at the club," veteran Elijah Taylor said.
"Grub (Reynolds) is one of the best teammates we have here, He would do anything for his teammates and so is Russell."
Meanwhile Taylor confirmed he would not be at the Tigers next year, after being told by the joint venture he was not part of their plans for 2021.
The 30-year-old former Kiwis representative said there had been interest from other clubs.
However, uncertainty lingered over the NRL's salary cap and roster numbers for next year was making life difficult.
"Hopefully I get something sealed soon," he said.
"It definitely won't be here at the Tigers. Hopefully I can stay in the NRL."