THE Cronulla Sharks have denied club stars Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes were punched by an angry patron during an incident at an eastern suburbs hotel.

Responding to a Channel 9 news report that the pair were assaulted at a Coogee nightspot on Sunday, Cronulla chief executive Lyall Gorman said no such attack occurred.

Gorman confirmed Bird and Holmes were drinking at the Coogee Pavilion but said they were not involved in any ­altercation.

Nine News reported that Sydney Roosters star Shaun Kenny-Dowall was arguing with a patron at the pub before Bird and Holmes intervened to offer their support to the Roosters’ star.

It is understood Kenny-Dowall was having dinner with his mum and her partner at the hotel and was not there with the Sharks pair.

The report claimed Bird and Holmes were both struck, with Holmes helped to his feet by ­fellow patrons.

But Cronulla officials said while an intoxicated patron causing drama was escorted from the bar by security, the club’s players were not struck.

The Roosters claim Kenny-Dowall was not involved in an incident, while Gorman said his pair were also innocent. None of the NRL players was asked to leave. It is understood Kenny-Dowall saw an incident but was not involved in any way.

media_camera The Roosters say Shaun Kenny-Dowall was not involved in the incident. Pic Brett Costello

“There were a group of NRL players in a licensed premises in the eastern suburbs at which a member of the public made some comments,” Gorman said. “The member of the public then became, as I understand it, agitated and was removed.

“All our reviews ... indicate no NRL players, including our players, were involved.’’