Sean Long has played on through the storm

The pair face a Rugby Football League hearing on Thursday to face claims they bet on Bradford to beat their own side.

"It's been hugely traumatic for them, their families and the club, who are innocent victims," said Millward.

"You'd be very surprised about the magnitude of abuse they've copped. I feel for them."

The allegations centre on a game on Easter Monday, where the Saints, missing 11 first team players, lost to Bradford 54-8.

Both Long and Gleeson are alleged to have bet �1,000 on Saints to lose by more than eight points to the champions.

The duo have continued to play whilst the allegations were investigated, with Long winning the Lance Todd Trophy when Saints beat Wigan in the Challenge Cup final.

"I think they will be better people for it. I have seen a lot of maturity from them since the incident occurred and out of it I think you will see two really mature guys."

"They're not naive to think it's not an issue. They have been very stressed and traumatised about it."

Millward added: "I'm very proud of them because of the way they've handled the situation."

The club has conducted its own internal inquiry but will not make its findings public until the three-man RFL panel, headed by judge Peter Charlesworth, delivers its verdict.

The club will be represented by a barrister at Thursday's hearing while both Long and Gleeson will also be legally represented.