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Fisher-Harris to join sidelined Panthers

Scott BaileyAAP
Penrith forward James Fisher-Harris is facing a two game NRL suspension over a tackle. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)
Camera IconPenrith forward James Fisher-Harris is facing a two game NRL suspension over a tackle. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Penrith's depth is set to be further tested before the NRL finals with front-row leader James Fisher-Harris facing at least a two-game ban.

Already without star halves Nathan Cleary (suspended) and Jarome Luai (injured), the ladder-leading premiers now face the prospect of being without their most powerful forward for the next fortnight.

Fisher-Harris was on Sunday handed a grade-three careless high tackle charge for a high shot on Canberra's Ryan Sutton that ended the Raider's night after he failed a HIA.

The Kiwi international can cop a two-game ban with an early guilty plea, while that will extend to three matches if he elects to fight it and loses at the judiciary.

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It came after Penrith went one step closer to wrapping up the minor premiership with their 26-6 win over the Raiders, sitting well clear of North Queensland in second.

While their depth will continue to be tested in the next month, they have avoided losing another player to suspension, with Jaeman Salmon copping only a fine for lashing out with his legs in a tackle and striking Tom Starling.

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That incident provoked a furious outburst against Starling from Raiders coach Ricky Stuart in his post-match press conference.

Canberra have also copped a match review setback from the match, with winger Nick Cotric charged over a high shot on Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards.

Cotric will miss next week's clash with St George Illawarra with an early guilty plea, or risk a second game out if he unsuccessfully fights the charge.

There was better news for forward Joseph Tapine however. He can take a fine for his crusher tackle on Fisher-Harris.

Meanwhile, Tariq Sims appears to have played his last game for St George Illawarra, facing a ban of up to five matches for his high tackle that knocked out Cronulla's Connor Tracey.

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