The NRL's crackdown on late hits could cost NSW forward Tariq Sims his spot in the State of Origin decider.
Sims has been hit with a grade two dangerous contact head/neck charge after his shot on North Queensland's Michael Morgan during St George Illawarra's win over the Cowboys on Friday.
He's the first player to face tougher penalties after the NRL announced a crackdown on crusher tackles and late hits on Wednesday.
Sims is facing a two-match ban with an early guilty plea, or three matches on the sidelines if he contests the charge and loses.
Either scenario means the 29-year-old front-rower would be unavailable to face Queensland at ANZ Stadium on July 10.
Sims' tackle on Morgan in the 45th minute forced the Cowboys captain from the field for the rest of the match.
North Queensland coach Paul Green was fuming about the incident after the 22-14 defeat.
"They threw it up in the NRL about protecting ball players after they play, but they see it a different way there tonight," Green said.
The only way Sims will be able to play in the Origin decider is if he contests the charge at the judiciary, and either has it successfully downgraded or dismissed.
It would mean a busy night for the judiciary, which will also be dealing with South Sydney forward George Burgess' eye gouging matter after that was referred straight to the panel.
Burgess is the first player sent straight to the judiciary since 2017, and is facing a lengthy ban for his alleged eye gouge on Wests Tigers veteran Robbie Farah in Thursday's 14-9 win by the Tigers.
Melbourne forward Jesse Bromwich has also been charged with a grade one dangerous contact head/neck, for his tackle on Sydney Rooster Sio Siua Taukeiaho in the 15th minute of the Storm's 14-12 win on Friday night.
Bromwich can escape a ban with an early guilty plea.
