Kalyn Ponga has sensationally avoided suspension for the shoulder charge that resulted in his send-off from the State of Origin series opener and doomed Queensland to a 22-20 loss.
Ponga on Wednesday night became just the seventh player sent off in 45 years of Origin, for collecting NSW rookie Tolu Koula high with 22 minutes to go in Sydney.
With the Maroons leading 20-6 at the time, they surrendered the lead as the Blues claimed the biggest comeback in Origin history to win.
Ponga protested his innocence, but was told by referee Ashley Klein that it was a "shoulder charge" with "direct contact to the head".
But the match review committee charge sheet somewhat vindicated Ponga, who was cited for a grade-two shoulder charge.
