Phoenix Crossland could miss much of the World Cup if suspended, as New Zealand's incumbent hooker faces a ban after being referred directly to the NRL judiciary.
The Newcastle No.9 is due to appear on Tuesday night and could also miss Sunday's grand final against the Roosters.
His hip-drop style tackle broke Nathan Cleary's left leg, and Crossland was sent off the field.
Cleary had surgery on Monday for a compound fracture and dislocated ankle, with breaks to both the tibia and fibula.
After Panthers fans directed online abuse at Crossland following their preliminary-final defeat, Cleary urged them to stop.
"Please don't be one of those people writing comments like this to Phoenix," Cleary posted alongside an image of the abuse.
"It was a complete accident and he doesn't deserve the unwarranted hate.
"He reached out to apologise and I have nothing but respect for him. He's a competitor and the game is made up of split second moments that sometimes lead to unfortunate circumstances.
"Comments like this are so unfair. Spread love, not hate."
Cleary's appeal drew praise from fans on social media.
He had earlier shared a hospital photo, thanking supporters and writing: "Yesterday sucked but it's all part of the journey and it's made me even more grateful for the people I have around me. I'll be back."
A direct judiciary referral can signal a substantial suspension; Dragons forward Ryan Couchman received four matches after a Round 3 hip-drop tackle caused J'maine Hopgood a season-ending ACL injury.
With only three group-stage games for each World Cup team, a multi-week suspension could leave Crossland unavailable for most of the tournament.