Manly skipper Jamie Lyon has escaped with a warning from the NRL after telling referee Henry Perenara it seemed like he was trying to get South Sydney back into Monday night's game.
The NRL said on Tuesday it was sending Lyon a "concerning act" notice in the wake of his team's 20-12 win.
"Normally the referees are encouraged to take action on the field if they believe their integrity is being questioned," an NRL spokesman told AAP.
"Given there was no action taken on the field the match review committee has decided to issue a concerning act notice as a warning."
Lyon has long had a reputation for questioning referees and was at it again at Allianz Stadium as Souths received a string of penalties.
"It seems like you are trying to get them back into the game, that's what it seems like," Lyon could be heard saying to Perenara over broadcaster Fox Sports' audio.
The warning notice means Lyon is be free to play in Manly's round 21 match against Newcastle on Sunday as they attempt to keep their faint finals hopes alive.
The NRL has taken a hardline of criticism of referees over the past two seasons.
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson earned a $40,000 fine for a verbal attack on referee Ben Cummins following the Tricolours Anzac Day defeat to St George Illawarra earlier this season.
