Adam Pompey faces a two-week suspension following a guilty verdict at the NRL judiciary for Grade 2 dangerous contact.
The New Zealand Warriors outside back was unexpectedly charged on Monday after he was deemed to have raised a knee against Briton Nikora, a second-rower for the Cronulla Sharks, during the second half of their recent match.
This incident went unnoticed and unpenalised during the game, but the match review committee later flagged it after Nikora was seen reeling from the tackle.
Pompey appeared at the judiciary on Tuesday night, seeking a reduction of the charge that would allow him to play this weekend against the Melbourne Storm in Victoria.
However, the outcome was not in his favor as he was found guilty, resulting in his absence for both the match against the Storm and the following week's game versus the Gold Coast Titans.
Pompey will be eligible to return during the Anzac Day clash against the Dolphins in Wellington in Round 8.
Initially named to play in the centers for the upcoming match against the Storm, the Warriors will now need to find a replacement.
Options likely include either Alofiana Khan-Pereira or Ali Leiataua, both of whom were part of the extended squad.
Leiataua is a natural center, while selecting Khan-Pereira would probably shift Roger Tuivasa-Sheck into the centers, enabling the former Titan and prolific try-scorer to make his club debut on the wing.