LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In State of Origin II, Queensland forward Reuben Cotter asserted that he was not eye-gouged by NSW's Jarome Luai.
Reports indicate that Luai received a grade 2 contrary conduct charge for unnecessary contact with Cotter's face during the match, where NSW lost to Queensland 26-24 in Perth.
This charge arose after Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga seemingly accused Luai of eye-gouging in the first half.
The incident unfolded when Cotter dove for a loose ball after Blues prop Payne Haas lost possession.
As Luai tackled Cotter on the ground, his hand made contact with Cotter's face while they were trying to push each other off.
Ponga then gestured towards the sideline officials, indicating the potential foul.
Although Luai was placed on report for the incident, he was ultimately cleared of eye-gouging by the NRL match review committee and faced a fine of $3,900 instead.