Sweet relief for Broncos as star cleared to play NRL grand final despite 'horrible tackle'

The Broncos can breathe a sigh of relief after Xavier Willison escaped suspension for what Andrew Johns described as a "horrible tackle".

Willison cannon balled into the legs of Penrith forward Luke Garner on Sunday but can accept a $1000 fine for dangerous contact.

It means he is free to play Sunday's grand final against Melbourne, if selected.

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In the 28th minute, Garner hit the ball up and was held high by defenders Jordan Riki and Kobe Hetherington.

Willison then came in at the ankles of Garner and put him on his back.

Garner stayed down, with referee Grant Atkins bringing play to a halt.

"It's a horrible tackle ... coming into the legs when the player is held," Johns said on Nine.

Willison was then penalised and placed on report for dangerous contact.

Willison's nerves would've been replaced by elation when he scored with 10 minutes to go in the preliminary final.

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With the Panthers leading 14-6, Ben Hunt went down the short side and had his pass knocked down by Nathan Cleary.

It was a necessary knock down because Gehamat Shibasaki was through. However, the ball was loose and Willison picked it up and ran through a gap created by Liam Martin.

The try made it 14-10 before the rest of the comeback came.