Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has been cleared after an NRL investigation found claims he acted improperly at half-time of Sunday's game at Panthers Stadium could not be substantiated.
Despite misleading media reports, the NRL investigation uncovered "a number of conflicting versions" of what actually occurred and importantly confirmed that no referees conversed with Cleary at half-time.
An NRL spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that the NRL would not be issuing a breach notice under the circumstances.
"There were a number of conflicting versions about the events in question," the spokesperson said.
"There were no complaints from the match officials. Additionally, neither referee was aware of any comments directed at them by Ivan Cleary.
"It is however a timely reminder that coaches should not place themselves in a position where they might be perceived to be approaching referees during matches."
In his post-match press conference, Cleary claimed there was not "anything untoward" about his behaviour at half-time as he attempted to direct skipper James Tamou to raise an issue with referee Ashley Klein.
