Canberra Raiders star Josh Papalii is free to play in next Sunday's Grand Final after escaping any sanction from the NRL's match review committee.
Papalii was put on report for a tackle on South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Adam Doueihi in Canberra's 16-10 win in the preliminary final on Friday night.
The hit momentarily stopped play after the fullback was floored making a kick return.
Replays showed the force of the tackle propelling Doueihi's head forward and into Papalii's shoulder before the back of his head hit the turf.
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A penalty was awarded to the Rabbitohs, while Doueihi came off the field for a head injury assessment and later returned.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart initially believed Papalii was in trouble for a shoulder charge.
Papalii wasn't worried about the incident after the game.
"My personal opinion, I hit above the ball," he said.
"The refs didn't see it like that but that's footy."
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett also thought Papalii might've been guilty of a shoulder charge.
"I just thought it was more a shoulder charge, but it really wasn't because he did wrap his arm in the end," Bennett said.
"But I didn't take much notice after that, so I don't really know. I didn't even realise, I probably didn't think we were even going to get a penalty out of it."
Fellow Raiders prop Sia Soliola was hit with a grade one careless high tackle charge but is only facing a fine and will be free to play in the Grand Final.
The Raiders will face the Melbourne Storm or the Sydney Roosters in the decider.
Join us on October 6 for live updates of the NRL Grand Final.
AAP
