Manly star Glenn Stewart will play in the grand final if the Sea Eagles make it after being suspended for three matches over his role in the Brookvale Oval brawl.
After a hearing that lasted around 75 minutes, the NRL judiciary panel of Michael Buettner, Sean Garlick and Mark Coyne gave Stewart the same sentence handed down to fellow protagonist, Melbourne's Adam Blair, 24 hours earlier.
NRL counsel Peter Kite had recommended a sentence of between four and five matches after Stewart changed his plea from not guilty to guilty overnight.
The Manly backrower will be available for the decider - or the grand final qualifier if the Sea Eagles lose in the first week of the finals and then win their next match.
Speaking outside the judiciary, Stewart said: "I'm disappointed of course but I'd just like to thank the guys for having a fair hearing and thank the Manly club for their support."
"Now we've just got to hopefully win a few games and we'll work from here and concentrate on a bit of footy now."
Chairman Scott Penn added: "Obviously the penalty is consistent with last night's decision and we'll accept that and we'll focus on the finals."
"It's certainly been an intense week. There's been a lot of speculation but Glenn's handled it very well."
During the hearing Stewart's lawyer Alan Sullivan QC, who was a late call-up after original legal representative Chris Branson bizarrely quit the case on Wednesday, labelled Blair the main instigator in the sideline fight between the two players.
In giving evidence, Stewart claimed Blair approached him and swore as the pair left the field after being sent to the sin bin.
"I thought he was running around me then I felt him brush up to me," Stewart explained
"He said 'c'mon, let's go' and used a swear word that offended me."
"I knew he was having a go at me and it escalated from there."
"I thought he was getting ready to cock his right hand."
"I've been in a few footy fights and they get a fist full of jersey with the left and unload with the right."
When it was put to him by Kite that he had spoken to Blair first - not the other way around - Stewart disagreed.
He was then asked why he looked back towards the other players before he and Blair launched into their fight.
"I thought the whole thing was strange. I was wondering where everyone was," Stewart replied.
Kite: "You were the instigator, do you agree?"
Stewart: "No I don't"
Kite: "Do you agree you threw the first punch?"
Stewart: "Yes"
But Sullivan countered: "He could have gone off the field anywhere but player Blair appears to make deliberate contact."
"He stood shoulder to shoulder and displayed intimidating body language."
"He (Stewart) thought he might be punched so retaliated first."
"It is unacceptable behaviour and he (Stewart) has brought the game into disrepute."
"Mr Stewart acknowledges he must be punished for that conduct but he did not throw the first punch."
"The instigator was Mr Blair."
The judiciary panel presumably found both players equally at fault, giving Stewart the same sentence handed down to Blair in the previous night's hearing.