LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Newcastle Knights forward Kai Pearce-Paul is facing a suspension after being charged with a Grade 2 shoulder charge by the NRL's match review committee.
The incident occurred during the Knights' match against the Dolphins, with Pearce-Paul making clear shoulder to jaw contact on opposition forward Daniel Saifiti.
Despite being sin binned for the offence, the Knights were able to maintain their lead and ultimately win the game.
This is the first offence on Pearce-Paul's record, meaning he could face a two-match ban with an early guilty plea.
However, if he chooses to challenge the charge at the NRL judiciary, he risks a third match being added to his suspension.
The severity of the charge reflects the NRL's crackdown on dangerous tackles, particularly those involving contact to the head or neck.
The NRL has been increasingly vigilant in penalizing players for such incidents in order to prioritize player safety and reduce the risk of serious injury on the field.
The outcome of Pearce-Paul's case will be revealed following the judiciary hearing on Tuesday evening, determining the extent of his time on the sidelines and the impact on the Knights' playing roster.