New Zealand rugby league pair Nathan Cayless and Sika Manu have been issued with cautions by the World Cup Match Committee ahead of Saturday's Brisbane final against Australia.

Skipper Cayless has been cautioned for "unnecessary contact" to the head/neck of England's Adrian Morley in the 24th minute of last weekend's semi-final showdown.

Manu was warned for using "unnecessary force" to the arm/shoulder of Gareth Ellis in the 45th minute.

"In this instance the Tournament Match Commissioner (Greg McCallum) has elected to exercise his discretion arising under Rule 6.7(g) of the Disciplinary Code of Procedure and issue this Caution in lieu of issuing a Notice of Charge," a World Cup media statement said on Tuesday night.

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