Parramatta's Maika Sivo has also avoided punishment for raising his forearm on a defender in his side's thumping of the Dolphins - the second time in three weeks the winger has been cited for a similar offence.
Pene's knee collected Croker as he ran the ball just after halftime at AAMI Park on Saturday night, with the hooker keeling over in clear discomfort.
Pene remained on the field but was placed on report for foul play before later exiting the game with an ankle injury.
Croker went off for a head injury assessment after the contact, with broadcast commentators suggesting Pene's shoulder may have come into contact high on the 26-year-old.
The NRL has confirmed to AAP that Pene was charged for contacting Croker's pelvic area and proposed a $1000 fine for grade-one dangerous contact.
If he unsuccessfully challenges his charge at the judiciary, Pene's fine will increase to $1500.
Sivo was placed on report after his non-ball-carrying arm connected with the chin of Dolphins back Jamayne Isaako in the first half of the Eels' 48-20 win on Saturday.
Controversially, the Dolphins did not receive a penalty following the incident, allowing the Eels to remain on the attack and score their second try.
On Sunday morning, the match review committee charged Sivo with grade-one dangerous contact and, given his prior loading, proposed an increased fine of $3000 with an early guilty plea.
He risks missing two games by pleading his case at the judiciary.
Two weeks ago, the match review committee charged Sivo with grade-one dangerous contact for a similar shot on Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz.
Gold Coast captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has come under fire this season for a similar technique when running the ball, most notably breaking the jaw of Wests Tigers hooker Api Koroisau in round 15. He was not banned.
Newcastle firebrand Jack Hetherington has escaped sanction for slapping Penrith centre Izack Tago just before halftime in the Panthers' 20-12 win.
The middle forward was sent to the sin bin following the incident, which came after Tago swatted him away as he attempted to stand up and play the ball.
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