Brisbane Broncos captain Patrick Carrigan is facing a two-game suspension for a careless high tackle, as determined by the NRL Match Review Committee.
The incident took place in the 10th minute during Friday's match against the Cowboys, involving centre Tom Chester, and has been classified as a Grade 2 offence.
This decision, coupled with Carrigan's previous record, resulted in the suspension being elevated to a second-offence penalty.
If Carrigan opts against accepting an early guilty plea, he can present his case to the NRL judiciary, but should he lose, the consequence would be a three-match ban.
This development comes as a major setback for Brisbane, who depend greatly on Carrigan's on-field leadership and physical presence.
By accepting the early guilty plea, Carrigan will miss upcoming games against the Tigers and Bulldogs; however, challenging the ruling would jeopardize his participation in the Round 9 matchup against the Sydney Roosters.
In a worst-case scenario, Carrigan could return for the Round 10 encounter against the Sea Eagles.
The Broncos' recent defeat to the Cowboys leaves them at 10th place on the ladder, and Carrigan's suspension, alongside multiple player injuries, will further strain the club's depth.
Carrigan isn't the only player facing scrutiny, as Manly Sea Eagles forward Haumole Olakau'atu is also under review by the MRC.