KNIGHTS back-rower Mitchell Barnett is facing the longest suspension of his NRL career after being charged for an alleged "crusher" tackle on Melbourne fullback Jahrome Hughes in Saturday's 34-4 loss to the Storm.
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The match-review panel issued a grade-three dangerous-contact charge on Sunday, which means that if Barnett takes the early guilty plea, he will miss three games.
If he opts to challenge the charge at the judiciary and is unsuccessful, the sanction will be five games.
Knights officials have until midday Monday to enter a plea and the club's director of football, Brian Canavan, said they would "sit" on a decision overnight.
Barnett was heavily criticised by Foxtel commentators Braith Anasta and Brett Finch for the 35th-minute incident, which sparked a melee between the two teams.
The 25-year-old's most recent suspension was for one game after a tackle on Brisbane's Tevita Pangai jnr in round five last year.
It was the only game he missed all season, and he has since strung together 31 consecutive appearances.
He spent two games on the sidelines in 2016 for a shoulder charge on Cronulla's Andrew Fifita.
The Knights are yet to lose a player through suspension this season.
Barnett's likely absence will be offset by the early return of Aidan Guerra, who has recovered from a broken ankle he suffered against Manly in round five.
