The NRL are set to come down hard on the State of Origin brawlers, with the hangover of NSW's series win at Suncorp Stadium expected to extend into the NRL.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Blues historic 14-4 victory over Queensland on Wednesday night marked only NSW's third win in a decider in Brisbane, from 13 attempts.
It also secured the Blues just their fifth series victory in 19 years, and denied Queensland a third straight success.
But both sides are expected to feel the after effects for some time following a chaotic first-half melee that spilled over the sideline.
The NRL traditionally hand down hand down charges in the two hours after fulltime for Origin matches, given the tight turnaround to the next round of the NRL.
But the dramatic nature of Wednesday night's game prompted a marathon sitting for the match review committee, pushing any charges back until Thursday.
AAP understand bans are likely when the charge sheet is published.
NSW pair Cameron Murray and Haumole Olakau'atu are expected to cop the most heat, after coming off the bench to be involved in the fracas.
Murray was sin-binned for charging into the fight, which was instigated by Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans and Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai.
The NRL must also decide whether Olakau'atu will be dealt with by the match review committee or via a breach notice, given he was the Blues 19th man.
The suited-up Manly second-rower was ordered off the playing arena and told to watch the rest of the match from the dressing room, for becoming involved in the incident.
Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans was adamant after the game that Murray should have been sent off, labelling his actions as "unacceptable".
But NSW coach Michael Maguire came to the defence of the pair, suggesting it was a positive they had stuck up for their teammates.
"When you look at that moment, Cam Murray is one of the nicest blokes in the game,"
"He plays the game to perfection. He obviously went down there because he cares for one of his teammates.
"I've known Cameron for a long time, never thought he'd jump into something like that, but it just goes to show what the group mean to each other."
The NSW duo aren't the only players expected to be investigated out of the match.
Cherry-Evans and Jarome Luai both struck each other to start the melee, while Jeremiah Nanai escalated the situation by charging in and hitting Luai from behind.
NSW 18th man Matt Burton and Queensland prop Moeaki Fotuaika were among other players on the bench to become involved in the situation.
Reece Walsh is likely to attract the attention of the match review committee after his feet collected Stephen Crichton's head as he attempted to save a try.
Under NRL judiciary rules, players are able to take fines for grade-two offences in State of Origin, but grade-three charges result in bans of at least two matches.
Any charges could prompt a Friday judiciary hearing if players elect to fight them, given the short turnaround to weekend matches.
Australian Associated Press
