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Scott Bailey

Ponga, Mann cleared as May waits on finals

Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga has escaped NRL punishment after it looked into his toilet cubicle drama. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Kalyn Ponga and Kurt Mann have escaped punishment over their toilet cubical drama after the NRL cleared the pair of any wrongdoing.

The Newcastle pair had been under the microscope since being filmed being escorted out of a cubical in a Newcastle pub earlier this month.

That video prompted a two-week investigation by the NRL integrity unit, with the probe and a subsequent drug test widely criticised by the players' union.

AAP understands the investigation has now been closed, with the NRL deciding not to hand down any sanctions against the pair.

Newcastle also looked into the situation, with Mann injured at the time and Ponga sidelined for the rest of the season by repeated head knocks.

Mann had hoped to return from his quad injury in time for the final round of the season, but the utility failed in his bid to do so and will not face Cronulla on Sunday.

There was no confirmation from the Knights on Wednesday on whether they would hand down their own sanctions, amid earlier speculation Ponga could be stripped of the captaincy.

Meanwhile, Penrith winger Taylan May's finals fate also rests in the hands of the integrity unit.

The star rookie was on Wednesday found guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm following an incident in a Sunshine Coast nightclub after last year's grand final.

May was fined $1000 and ordered to pay $1000 to the victim, but had no conviction recorded at Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

The NRL's integrity unit have long been aware of the case, after May was accused of dragging a fellow patron to the ground while out with teammates.

The Panthers will leave any sanction to the NRL, however it's unlikely any punishment would go beyond a fine or short ban given no conviction was recorded.

May wasn't named to face North Queensland on Friday as the Panthers rested the majority of their stars, meaning any suspension would likely have to be served in the finals.

"Panthers worked closely with the NRL Integrity Unit throughout the duration of the legal process, and the club will continue to do so," Penrith said in a statement.

Ironically May had not been due to face trial until October, until his legal team asked for a date change to allow him to travel to the World Cup.

It is now possible it could cost him a finals match if the NRL go down the path of a suspension, with the 21-year-old having scored 16 tries in 20 games this year.

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