Junior Paulo has escaped punishment for throwing a punch at Felise Kaufusi in the dying embers of State of Origin Game 3.
As referee Gerard Sutton blew the final whistle to end the heated encounter, tensions flared and a little skirmish erupted between the two sets of players which turned sour when Paulo appeared to clock Queensland rival Kaufusi in the face with a wild upper cut.
The fracas was eventually defused and the New South Wales forward was subsequently put on report.
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Given the NRL's strict clampdown on head contact, which ranges from anything to high tackles to punches, you'd expect Paulo to be slapped with a ban or even a fine.
Well, it appears he got neither and has managed to walk away scot free.
In the wake of Queensland's sweep-saving 20-18 victory on home soil, the NRL have come out and confirmed that no player has been officially charged from either team.
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It's good news for Paulo, but even better news for the Parramatta Eels who won't lose their bulldozing prop for the upcoming NRL clash against the Gold Coast Titans this Friday.
If he did end up getting punished for the incident, some people reckon Paulo would have a case to have Kaufusi charged as well.
Former Blues captain Paul Gallen strongly believes that Queensland second-rower Kaufusi was the instigator during the incident after spotting something he wasn't too fond of.
"Kaufusi raised his elbow as he ran in so I think that's what (Paulo) got upset about," Gallen said told Nine's Wide World Of Sports.
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"I think if he's going to get charged, Kaufusi might get charged for raising an elbow."
Thankfully any tension was brushed under the carpet with both Paulo and Kaufusi seen hugging it out after the fiery game.
Featured Image Credit: Nine
