The NRL have launched a thorough investigation into the fierce all-in brawl that broke out in the match between Manly and Melbourne at Brookvale Oval on Friday night.

A statement was released by the league on Saturday afternoon, explaining the three-pronged examination that will take place over the weekend and on Monday morning.

The NRL say they will take the unusual step of investigating the overall conduct of the clubs involved, with the Sea Eagles and Storm facing the possibility of being sanctioned for the ugly incident.

The NRL match review committee will look into the range of on-field incidents that were involved in the on-field fighting.

The NRL will also refer to football operations guidelines in regards to the sideline benches and how players and officials must conduct themselves.

The mayhem started when Storm forward Ryan Hinchcliffe made contact with Manly's Darcy Lussick in a tackle with his elbow, prompting the front rower to react.

An all-in brawl resulted, and Manly's Glenn Stewart and Melbourne's Adam Blair were sin-binned for joining the fight as third-men in and escalating the situation.

As the pair left the field, Blair caught up to Stewart and exchanged words, before the Sea Eagles second rower threw the first punch in what became a one-on-one stoush.

Manly players, led by Stewart's brother Brett, raced 30 metres to join the fight which took place close to the sideline and the team benches.

Storm interchange player Sisa Waqa is believed to be one of the players being investigated for breaking protocol and joining the melee from the bench.

NRL chief executive David Gallop said the incident was an ugly look for the game, and it will be dealt with seriously.

"I can understand that everybody is concerned with what occurred last night and it is important that it be looked at in the appropriate manner," said Gallop.

"Clearly this is serious and unacceptable. No one wants to see protracted fighting and the NRL has processes in place to deal with these issues.

"The match review committee will begin its deliberations on Monday morning and the NRL football department has already begun its own investigations into the other aspects of last night's events.

"The NRL will also review the conduct of both clubs and it is important that everyone respects the need for these processes to be completed."

The Storm announced on Saturday night they would conduct their own investigation into the chaotic scenes.

"Melbourne Storm would like to express our disappointment with the events of Friday night's match at Brookvale Oval," the statement read.

"The club agrees the matter requires a full and thorough investigation.

"Melbourne Storm reiterates and reconfirms our position of full co-operation with the appropriate authorities to undergo their proper processes on the issues arising from the match.

"Furthermore, the club will conduct its own internal independent review to address all matters pertaining to these incidents."

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