A NSW rugby league team has been ordered to destroy t-shirts featuring the phrase 'rape and pillage' after club members were spotted wearing them at Newcastle airport.

Key points: A NSW rugby league club denies having any knowledge of offensive shirts members were spotted wearing in public

A NSW rugby league club denies having any knowledge of offensive shirts members were spotted wearing in public Country Rugby League and the division chairman have blasted the "poor decisions" of the individuals involved

Country Rugby League and the division chairman have blasted the "poor decisions" of the individuals involved The club has highlighted its support of women, but an academic says these attitudes aren't confined to rugby league

A photo posted to Facebook showed two men associated with the Old Bar Beach Pirates Rugby League Club wearing the shirts, which also featured a cartoon image of a topless mermaid.

Country Rugby League (CRL) Chief Executive Officer Terry Quinn said the t-shirts were extremely offensive.

"The behaviour of these persons is inexcusable and it is extremely disappointing," Mr Quinn said in a statement.

"We have been in contact with the club and the individuals have been instructed to destroy the t-shirts immediately."

The Old Bar Club denies having any involvement in producing the shirts.

Mr Quinn said sanctions awaited the individuals involved.

Club highlights anti-DV stance

The Old Bar Beach Pirates Rugby League Club did not wish to comment directly to the ABC, but responded to the controversy on its Facebook page.

"The Old Bar Beach Pirates Rugby League Club did not sanction these shirts," the club's post read. "As a Club we endeavour to support and promote a strong Anti-Violence message, as well as support Women in League and our community."

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Every year at a home game the club promotes awareness of its anti-domestic violence stance.

'Poor decision'

Group 3 Rugby League Chairman Wayne Bridge said he did not know how many of the 20 or so players on the end-of-season trip had the shirts on at Newcastle airport.

"It's just not a good look for the game," Mr Bridge said.

"[They were] probably just looking for something for their tour, but to put that on the shirts I don't think is appropriate.

"I think the boys have gone on to wind down after a long season, but it still doesn't make what they've done OK."

Mr Bridge's understanding is that the players paid for the trip individually.

"It doesn't matter where they are or what they're doing, if they're travelling as a group they're representing their club and their community," he said.

"So it doesn't portray a good look onto the club."

Group 3 Rugby League will be advised by CRL as to what what sanctions may be imposed.

"At this stage we'll be guided what they believe to be appropriate," Mr Bridge said.

"I think it was just a poor decision to put that on the shirt."

A broader problem

Professor Catharine Lumby, of Macquarie University, who works with the NRL as a pro-bono gender adviser, said this incident highlighted a more general societal issue.

Professor Catharine Lumby says 95 per cent of players do the right thing. ( ABC News )

"[League players] are singled out because there is a prejudice," Ms Lumby said.

"There are guys at elite university colleges who are walking around wearing the same kind of t-shirts.

"So it's not a matter of whether you're playing footy or where you've come from.

"It's a matter of attitudes toward women."

Ms Lumby said there were plenty of education services available.

"I'm not saying that men need to sit in a room with their heads in their laps while women lecture them — that's the worst approach," she said.

"An ex-player will come and have a yarn about why that t-shirt is problematic.

"I think that's how the world changes."