Celebrations for Anthony Minichiello’s 250th NRL game are likely to be postponed until next season with the Roosters fullback hit with a grade three striking charge by the NRL Match review committee on Monday.
The grade three charge means Minichiello will miss two matches with an early plea, but could face up to a three-match ban if he fights the charge at the NRL judiciary and loses.
The charge will almost certainly mean the end of the decorated fullback's 2012 season.
Minichiello was charged for his 75th minute tackle on Raiders fullback Josh Dugan during the Roosters 24-20 loss at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.
Club officials at the Roosters had planned to celebrate Minichiello’s 250 game milestone at their home game against the Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon, but it now looks doubtful the long-serving custodian will be available to play.
The Roosters will have until midday on Tuesday to enter a plea.
The Roosters match against the Wests Tigers at Allianz Stadium will be captain Braith Anasta’s last home game for the club before moving to join this weekend’s opponents the Wests Tigers in 2013.
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Melbourne's Bryan Norrie was slapped with a grade 1 dangerous contact charge by the match review committee, but will be available to play against the Sharks on Monday night with an early plea.
Norrie was charged for his 69th minute tackle on Broncos captain Sam Thaiday in Melbourne's 19-18 win at Suncorp Stadium.
