Matai cleared at judiciary

Manly utility Steve Matai is free to play off the bench against Cronulla at Toyota Park on Sunday after being cleared of a grade one careless high tackle charge at the NRL judiciary last night.

Matai faced a one game ban for a high tackle on Knights prop Craig Smith in the Sea Eagles' 22-14 loss at Newcastle on Sunday.

The loser of the clash between Manly and the Sharks is in danger of dropping out of the top eight in the lead-up to next month's finals.