Sin bin farce sees State of Origin star escape punishment for ugly tackle... before being penalised for 'aggressive head rub'

Lightning did not strike twice for Liam Martin on Wednesday night, with the NSW star finally sinbinned after avoiding punishment for an ugly first half tackle at the MCG.

The Blues enforcer, in Andrew Johns's view, should have been given a 10-minute sideline stint after lifting Reuben Cotter off the ground, tipping him beyond the parallel.

'This will be a sin bin to Liam Martin, if they're consistent,' Johns said on Channel 9. 

'We saw one on the weekend with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for the Warriors. Gets him up. Gets him over the parallel,' he added. 

However, Martin survived, in a decision that set the footy world alight.

But justice prevailed in the second half, albeit in bizarre fashion, as Martin was sent for a temporary stint on the sidelines after rubbing Jaydn Su'a's head in the midst of an all-in shoving match.

The move was described as an 'aggressive head rub' by Channel 9's commentary team.  

Maroons star Pat Carrigan was also sent to the bin as Queensland were unable to keep their cool amid a NSW onslaught. 

More to follow.