Harrison Graham could start for Newcastle in Sunday's grand final against the Sydney Roosters after Phoenix Crossland was referred directly to the NRL judiciary.
Crossland was sent off during the Knights' preliminary-final win over Penrith, in which Nathan Cleary suffered a compound ankle fracture.
Cleary was taken to hospital immediately and faces a lengthy recovery.
On Monday, the NRL match review committee referred Crossland to the panel, which will determine the length of his suspension.
He will miss the grand final but could return as early as round one if Newcastle can count Rugby League World Cup matches towards his suspension.
Ryan Couchman was the last player referred to the judiciary over a hip-drop tackle, in March.
The St George Illawarra forward received a four-game suspension after Parramatta lock J'maine Hopgood suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Crossland, 26, has six caps for New Zealand and was competing with Dolphins player Jeremy Marshall-King and South Sydney's Brandon Smith for the Kiwis' No. 9 jersey.
Graham has mainly been a bench specialist this season and has started only two games in 2026.