NRL to examine Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Clearys bunker spray [Video]

Ivan Cleary has narrowly avoided a fine after delivering a stinging rebuke of the Bunker, but NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has expressed disappointment in the Panthers coach’s comments after his team marched into another grand final.

In an explosive start to grand final week, NRL officials pored over Cleary’s press conference after he labelled a Bunker decision to disallow a second-half Panthers try due to an obstruction call as “terrible”, and said the prospect of similar scenario unfolding in the grand final made him “anxious”.

But according to sources speaking on the condition of anonymity not allowed to discuss the matter publicly, it was Cleary’s assertion he hoped senior Bunker official Chris Butler wasn’t appointed to the grand final which raised most concern.

Cleary quickly retracted the comment on Saturday night and said: “I shouldn’t say …