Newcastle could be without forward Korbin Sims for Saturday’s clash with North Queensland in Townsville after he copped a grade-one careless high tackle charge.

Sims will miss one NRL game even if he pleads guilty to the second-half hit on Parramatta forward Tepai Moeroa in Monday night’s two-point loss.

Any suspension would be another blow to the under-fire Knights, who come into the match against the defending premiers on the back of six consecutive losses.

They could also be without Sims’ brother, Tariq, if they agree to grant him an early release to join St George Illawarra.

Had Sims not had carryover points, he would have been free to play this weekend with an early guilty plea.

If he elects to fight the charge and is unsuccessful at the judiciary, he will not face any added matches on the sideline.