Captain Cameron McInnes has described reports claiming St George Illawarra players are divided over Jack de Belin’s presence as disgusting, saying some critics like to “kick a dog when they are down”.

McInnes said de Belin, who has been stood down while awaiting a June court hearing for a 2018 aggravated sexual assault charge, was welcome at training and his presence does not have anything to do with their horror NRL season start.

“It (report) shows the lengths people go to almost kick a dog when they are down – I am pretty disgusted by it to be honest,” he said.