Newcastle beat the Sydney Roosters 22-14 despite Phoenix Crossland's dismissal in Sunday's preliminary final, securing a place in the grand final.
Crossland was sent off after a hip-drop tackle caused Nathan Cleary to suffer a compound fracture to his left ankle.
The match review committee referred Crossland directly to the NRL judiciary on Monday, a move that usually signals a multi-game suspension.
Commentators Andrew Johns and Warren Smith have questioned whether the NRL has done enough to stamp out hip-drop tackles.
Crossland was the first player sent off for one in NRL history; other offenders had previously received 10-minute sin-bins.
Smith wrote on social media Sunday night: "This is not a new problem, and send-offs need to become mandatory for hip drop tackles, along with appropriate suspensions. It's way past time the sport got serious on this issue."
Smith had called for tougher penalties in 2023, arguing suspensions were not long enough to deter players.
Josh McGuire and Jeremiah Nanai each received five-game bans in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
Ryan Couchman was banned for four games this year after his Round 3 tackle ended J'maine Hopgood's season.
Victor Radley received only a fine for a similar tackle on Herbie Farnworth on Friday, as it caused no serious injury.
Smith has criticised the NRL for judging suspensions by injury outcomes rather than the tackle itself; Crossland also appeared to land before making contact.