'What a joke': Siosifa Talakai avoids suspension for 'cheap shot' on Panthers star Jarome Luai

Sharks star Siosifa Talakai has managed to escape suspension for a "cheap shot" on Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai in the prelim final.

Penrith secured a spot in a fifth-straight grand final with a comprehensive 26-6 win over Cronulla, booking a showdown against minor premiers Melbourne.

But there was one moment during Saturday's clash that left Andrew Johns absolutely furious, with Talakai landing in hot water for a late hit on Luai.

READ MORE: 'Anxious' Cleary launches scathing Bunker attack

READ MORE: 'Struggling' star found out as 'vital errors' prove costly

READ MORE: 'Job not finished': Luai channels Kobe in defiant interview

Talakai looked certain to be given his marching orders, but was spared by referee Ashley Klein, who instead placed the centre on report.

"What a joke," Andrew Johns said of the decision on Nine.

"That is as cheap as it gets. You've got to get this tackle out of the game.

"It has to be a sin bin ... Luai has not moved."

Video replays highlighted the "dangerous" level of whiplash endured by Luai in the fall, leaving Johns furious.

"(Look at) the whip lash Jarome Luai gets," he said.

"This is dangerous, a player can really get hurt from this. Someone will get seriously injured if we allow that to continue."

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now. 

Talakai was spotted apologising to Luai but the hulking centre copped plenty of heat.

"He had time to pull out there," Johnathan Thurston said.

"He just had all eyes for Jarome Luai, it is extremely late. You just can't do that."

Penrith were given a penalty for the incident, with Cleary slotting the goal to extend the club's lead to eight points at half time.

Talakai has been hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge and will be fined $1800 should he accept an early guilty plea.

If the 27-year-old fights the charge and loses, he will be fined $2500.