South Sydney star Sam Burgess is facing a two-match NRL suspension after being charged with contrary conduct over an alleged “squirrel grip” on Melbourne centre Will Chambers.

The match review committee on Monday slapped Burgess with a grade one charge for the incident during the second-placed Rabbitohs’ Friday night 26-8 loss at AAMI Park.

Making a tackle, Burgess appeared to place his between the legs of Chambers, who remained prostrate on the ground afterwards.

While the charge itself only carries a base penalty of one week, Burgess’ loading from four prior offences means he would miss two matches even with an early guilty plea.

The English forward will have to successfully contest the charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday if he is a chance to play in Friday’s big clash with third-placed Manly.

The Rabbitohs have until midday Tuesday to enter a plea.

The club issued a statement saying they would assess the incident before making a decision on whether to contest the charge.