Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen has moved to quell talk of a rift at the NRL ladder-leaders between players Ben Barba and Sosaia Feki.

Reports emerged on Sunday via News Corp that Barba and Feki almost came to blows over a recent argument at the Cronulla Hotel, also involving Barba's pregnant wife.

Rumoured altercation: Ben Barba. Credit:Getty Images

Speaking on the Nine Network's Sunday Footy Show, Gallen confirmed the incident took place and that Barba had to be calmed down by another Sharks teammate Wade Graham.

However Gallen denied that Barba was sent away to his home town of Mackay for his own welfare.