Melbourne Storm will be without Will Chambers for the first week of the NRL Finals after he was hit with a three-week ban, although Cameron Smith's injury has not proved to be serious.
On Monday, Chambers and the Storm accepted a dangerous contact charge from the league's judiciary following his 'crusher' tackle on Jarryd Hayne during Friday's 20-4 win over Parramatta Eels.
The sanction means the centre will miss the final two regular-season games against Gold Coast Titans and Penrith Panthers, as well as the Storm's opening Finals match.
Currently sitting atop the NRL ladder, Melbourne are well placed for at least a top-four finish, meaning they would earn a second chance in the play-offs, affording Chambers the chance to return regardless of their opening-round result.
Talismanic hooker Smith left the field against the Eels with a back problem and did not return for the second period, although Storm football director Frank Ponissi was able to provide a positive update.
"He's pretty good, it's settled down a fair bit since Friday night," Ponissi told the Storm's official website.
"It was a spasm in the back, he got in an awkward position and it stirred up an old injury but he's a good chance of playing this Saturday, so we'll not take any chances but we're confident he should be OK."
