Newcastle lock Mitchell Barnett will be sidelined for at least the next three games due to a third grade dangerous contact charge incurred in his side's 34-4 loss to Melbourne.
An early guilty plea would rule out Barnett for the minimum penalty of a three-match ban, which would render him eligible to return in round 18 against the Roosters, but this will extend by a further two games if he unsuccessfully challenges the ruling, forcing him out of action until round 20.
The Knights currently sit fifth on the ladder at 7-6, and will face the Broncos after the Origin break.
