Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona will miss the next three rounds after failing to have a crusher tackle charge downgraded at the NRL judiciary.

Simona was hit with a grade-two dangerous contact charge for a tackle on Cronulla’s Jack Bird in the Shark’s 34-26 win on Saturday at Campbelltown Stadium.

He pleaded guilty but attempted to have the charge downgraded on Wednesday night at the judiciary.

Had he accepted the early guilty plea, the Samoan international would have only sat out the next fortnight but, instead, will miss the side’s games against Newcastle, Melbourne and Canberra.

Coach Jason Taylor has not named a replacement for Simona for Sunday’s away match against Newcastle, with speedster Joshua Addo-Carr a chance to come into the backline.