Melbourne prop Christian Welch won’t fight his crusher tackle charge at the NRL judiciary and accept a one-match ban, that will see him miss Sunday’s clash with North Queensland.

Welch could have skipped suspension with an early guilty plea but instead entered no contest, alleviating any carryover points with the NRL finals looming.

He was charged for a crusher tackle on Liam Knight during the Storm’s hard-fought 22-16 win over South Sydney.

Melbourne may have opted to rest Welch anyway for the Sunshine Coast Stadium match against the 14th-placed Cowboys.

The Queensland State of Origin prop has carried a huge work-load, playing every game since the competition restart with the Storm forward pack hit hard by injuries.

The club is expected to announce his re-signing this week.