Newcastle prop Leo Thompson has received a one-game ban for his high shot on North Queensland's Kyle Feldt and looks set to miss the start of the Pacific Championships.
Thompson was charged with a grade-two careless high tackle for flying out of the line to hit Feldt late in the 28-16 elimination final loss that ended the Knights' NRL season on Saturday night in Townsville.
The shot sparked a melee and landed Thompson in the sin bin, allowing five-eighth Tom Dearden to pounce on the hosts' personnel advantage and score the try that confirmed victory.
Thompson appeared from the bench in New Zealand's three most recent international matches during spring 2023 so will likely apply to serve his suspension in the post-season Test series.
If unsuccessful, he would miss round one of Newcastle's 2025 campaign.
Thompson would have his ban increased to two games if he pleaded his case at the judiciary and lost.
Feldt showed category two symptoms during his head injury assessment so is set to line up for the Cowboys in next Friday's semi-final against Cronulla, who lost to Melbourne in a qualifying final earlier on Saturday.
If North Queensland lost to the Sharks, the game would be premiership-winning Feldt's last before joining English outfit St Helens next year.
Cronulla five-eighth Braydon Trindall and winger Sione Katoa and Knights playmaker Jack Cogger were all charged for shots out of Saturday's games but will escape with fines.
