If Canterbury are to become the first side in almost two decades to win a grand final from outside the top four, they might have to do it without influential back rower Josh Jackson.

The future representative forward is facing time on the sidelines after being put on report for an ugly chicken wing tackle on Manly’s Josh Starling which prompted just the second punching incident of the season.

Canterbury were celebrating a magical 18-17 golden-point triumph over Manly on Saturday, but Jackson won’t be able to relax until the NRL match review committee hand down their findings on Monday.

For perhaps the first time ever, NSW and Queensland went through an entire State of Origin series without raising their fists, and so Starling’s jab to Jackson’s chin – as soft as it might have been – came as quite a shock.

But it was the tackle which fired-up the no-nonsense Manly front rower which was most shocking.

Jackson got under Starling’s arm and worked his body over in that wrestling move which looks as though it’s going to force a shoulder to pop out.

The 23-year-old has a good judiciary record but he will almost certainly face a charge and the NRL have taken a hard-line against the manoeuvre this season.

Manly’s Justin Horo and the Roosters’ Aidan Guerra have been among the players to be suspended recently.

Since the NRL introduced its tough anti-punching laws midway through last year, St George Illawarra’s Josh Dugan and Newcastle’s Tyrone Roberts became the first players to be binned for fighting in the final round of this season.

On Saturday night, Starling and Canterbury’s Reni Maitua were marched for punching.

But the fact Jackson stayed on the field for a nasty chicken wing and Starling was sat down for a harmless punch didn’t quite add up.