Martin Taupau has avoided a charge from the NRL match review committee over his potentially match-deciding collision with Jordan Rapana in Brisbane's 20-14 loss to Canberra.
Broncos forward Taupau was placed on report and penalised late in Saturday's night match when he chased hard through on a bomb and his knee collected Rapana's head as the Canberra winger marked the ball.
Rapana lost the ball as a result, and Broncos second-rower Kurt Capewell picked up the ball and crossed for what could have been a match-levelling try.
However, after play was stopped for several minutes while Rapana was treated for a bloody head wound before departing on a medi-cab, the bunker ordered Taupau be penalised for dangerous contact.
Referee Grant Atkins also placed Taupau on report, saying the front-rower's hands were not near making a tackle and his contact on Rapana was of a "careless nature".
But on Sunday the match review committee decided there was no case for Taupau to answer.
It is the second time this weekend the committee has not charged a player after they were controversially penalised on field, with Canterbury rookie Jacob Preston cleared of a hip-drop tackle on Saturday.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters was adamant there was no intent from Taupau and that it was accidental, but would not blame the loss on the penalty.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart agreed after the match, admitting he hoped Taupau would not face a ban for what he deemed an accidental incident.
Taupau also made a point to visit Rapana after the match and speak with his parents, with the winger to miss next week's clash with St George Illawarra after being diagnosed with a concussion.
Rugby league legend Andrew Johns on Sunday questioned why Taupau was penalised.
"I don't know what Martin Taupau can do, I say no penalty," Johns said on Nine's Footy Show.
"Jordan contributed because he dropped late with his head. He's coming forward, so he has contributed himself. He ducks his head late."
NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler, however, labelled Taupau's action reckless in response to Johns's comments.
"Marty went five metres past him. He had no idea where the ball was," Fittler said.
"He's just sprinting. By the time Rapana gets the ball and drops, Marty had no idea. He was totally reckless. The penalty was suffice."
Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny was the only player charged from Saturday's matches, set to cop a fine for a high tackle on Manly second-rower Kelma Tuilagi.
