IF the prophets of doom are correct, Friday night's match against Castleford could be Sean Long and Martin Gleeson's last game for Saints for a spell.

The duo, at the centre of allegations that they bet against their own team on Easter Monday, have been called to a hearing with the Advisory Panel on Thursday, 17 June after the Disciplinary commissioner decided they both had a case to answer.

Although Saints coach Ian Millward, mindful of the hearing, chose his words carefully - he said the issue had been a traumatic one for the two players and their families.

He said: "This is not the time to express any views on the investigation, but the two guys are upset about what has happened.

"We are really proud about how hard they are working and how well they are playing.

"People only see what they are doing in the game and some people must think, 'they are not worried about what's hanging over them'.

"It is an upsetting time for them and their family and they have been quite traumatised by it all to be honest.

"I am not looking to comment on what happens on Thursday, I'll simply do what Sean and Martin have done, and get on with my job. But I do feel for them."

The pair have received unwavering support from Saints fans since the revelations made back page headlines in the Daily Mail in mid April.

But the duo, and Long in particular, have been barracked by opposing fans - with it being particularly bad last Friday night at Wigan when booing greeted the scrum half's every touch of the ball.

Millward believed that to have much to do with the top-drawer performances he has consistently pulled out this year.

"He is a huge threat to the opposition and the by-product of that is the reception from the fans.

"He has not only been the best player in his position this year, but also the best player in Super League. Just look at all the awards he has won.

"Sean is a lot more consistent. He is no longer spectacular one week and inconsistent the following week.

"He has matured immensely and seems like a different guy.

"Out of all this they have really grown up and learned how to look after themselves and their families," he said.