Kiwi centre Joseph Manu is set to miss the Sydney Roosters' NRL grand final rematch with Melbourne, after being charged for a crusher tackle on Cronulla winger Sione Katoa.
Manu was hit with a grade-one dangerous contact charge for the 51st-minute incident, which left Katoa grounded and Manu penalised and placed on report.
He will face a one-week ban even if he takes an early guilty plea due to weighting and carryover points, meaning he would need to take the case to the judiciary and win.
Meanwhile, Manly prop Addin Fonua-Blake faces a two-game ban for his high shot on Mitchell Pearce.
Manu's potential absence will force a Roosters backline overhaul for their Good Friday clash with the Storm.
Winger Brett Morris could return from a knee injury in place of Matt Ikavalu, and utility Mitchell Aubusson would be the most likely option to slide into the centres.
Fonua-Blake's ban is also as a result of carryover points and weighting.
The Tongan prop has already missed one game this season through suspension and also has a prior similar offence hanging over his head.
Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler on Saturday night claimed the incident was sin-bin sufficient, given Fonua-Blake was sent to the bin when on-field referee Peter Gough labelled it "serious foul play".
The 23-year-old had been chasing a high kick off when he collected the falling Pearce with an outstretched arm.
He will miss two games regardless of whether he takes an early guilty plea or challenges the charge at the judiciary and loses, meaning his only hope of playing St George Illawarra next week is to fight his case and win.
Manly can at least breathe a sigh of relief on second-rower Curtis Sironen though, who was charged with a high tackle on Kalyn Ponga but won't miss any games with an early guilty plea.
Australian Associated Press
