Lake Macquarie centre Ray Alo faces one of the biggest suspension in the recent history of the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union if found guilty of abusing a referee.
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Alo was sent from the field in the dying moments of the Roos' dramatic 19-15 loss to Merewether at Townson Oval last round.
Named at inside centre in the Roos' team of the century at their 90th anniversary dinner last month, Alo launched a tirade at referee Nick Gaal and touch judge Lauren Kelly after Merewether lock Lachlan Milton crossed for the match-winning try.
Lake Macquarie believed the pass along the ground to Milton had rolled forward.
The abuse was deemed at the top end of the scale in the referee's report.
Under World Rugby sanction guidelines, if found guilty, Alo could incur a ban of up to 18 plus weeks.
The player was offered an early guilty plea, which reduces the ban, but he has opted to take the matter to the judiciary next Wednesday.
Alo is suspended until the case is heard and will miss the Roos' grudge match with premiers Hamilton at Walters Park on Saturday.
Lake Macquarie, who have fifth place secured, are already without a host of backs.
The Hawks, who sit seven points clear at the top of the table, can all but secure a fifth straight minor premiership with a win.
Breakaway Tiueti Asi returns from suspension in place of Liam Bowden (back) in one of two changes to the team which beat Maitland 47-29. Potolake Maake is the other fresh face, replacing Bryce Maddern on the wing.
Meanwhile, University will take renewed confidence into the clash with Wanderers at No.2 Sportsground.
The Students have recorded back-to-back wins over Southern Beaches and Singleton and are "starting to play some footy".
They have been hit with injuries to Josh Manwell and Sam Berry but coach Tony Munro is confident of a bold showing, especially with the Hawthorne Cup up for grabs.
"We knew it was going to be tough, but it has probably taken a little longer than we had hoped," Munro said. "We have done a lot of the basic work in terms of fitness and skills stuff and are now starting to play to the structures."
University trailed Wanderers 19-0 after 11 minutes in their first encounter. They rallied to lead 22-19 at half-time before fading to go down 36-22.
"The one thing I about these kids is that they just don't give up regardless of the score," Munro said.
Wanderers coach Dan Beckett said the Two Blues were on guard.
"It's a massive danger game," Beckett said. "They have some really good individuals and have gained a bit of confidence. Uni in the first round was a bit of a defining moment for us. We have come a long way since then. We have learnt what we need to do to be at our best and we need to keep working on that."
In other games Saturday, Singleton host Merewether and Maitland are at home to Southern Beaches.
