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Jared Waerea-Hargreaves slapped with big ban over 'graphic' hit

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been charged by the NRL judiciary and faces a two-match suspension for dangerous contact in the Roosters' 38-12 loss against the Knights.

The Kiwi prop's contentious tackle was on Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga in the game's 58th minute.

No penalty was awarded on the field, but has been picked up by the NRL's match review committee for dangerous contact to the head/neck.

The charge carries a base penalty of 100 points.

With Waerea Hargreaves' 85 carry-over points and loading from prior similar and non-similar offences in the past two years, he faces being rubbed out for two matches.

The ban comes after referee Ben Cummins and the Bunker cleared the tackle on Friday night.

"We don't have a problem with the tackle," Cummins told the two captains.

"It's clear it's just contact on the ground. but what I won't have is players coming in and starting a scuffle.

"If that happens again, someone will sit down ... there's nothing wrong with that (tackle)."

The Newcastle crowd's 'off! off!' cheers were to no avail, and Andrew Voss was left dumbfounded in commentary.

Kalyn Ponga was taken out of the game by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' hit. Pic: Getty/AAP
Kalyn Ponga was taken out of the game by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' hit. Pic: Getty/AAP

"That's pretty graphic," he said after watching a replay, describing the referee's decision as "unbelievable" and "extraordinary".

Brett Finch and Steve Roach could not believe the Roosters benefitted from Waerea-Hargreaves' hit by retaining the ball.

with AAP